| Kidney Cars

A Driver’s Guide To Car Safety Essentials

May 16, 2018, 11:13am EDT

car safety essentials

When hitting the road for a trip or errand, the last thing on our minds is our car breaking down on the side of the road. No one plans on being stranded or getting into a car accident, but misfortunate things do happen.

 

Kidney Cars is the car donation foundation for supporting people suffering from kidney disease. Today, we are sharing eleven essential safety items to keep in your car for every trip. With a little planning, you can be more prepared for any unfortunate event while on the road.

 
1. Jumper Cables. Keep in your trunk for when you need to jump start a dead battery.

 

2. First Aid Kit. Store a simple medical kit in your glove box or the back seat for treating any post-accident injuries.

 

3. Fix-a-Flat or Tire Repair Kit. Stash this in your trunk for when you have a flat tire or a leaky tire. The Fix-a-Flat can can pump your tire up so  you can drive it somewhere to be fixed.

 

4. Flashlight. Make sure it’s easy to grab in your glove box when needed. You’ll be glad you have one if you need to look at your engine or change a tire at night.

 

5. Water and Non-Perishable Snacks. Store in your trunk. If you get stranded you will want to keep hydrated and fed for a length of time.

 

6. Roadside Flares or Hazard Triangles. Store these in your trunk as well to be able to alert other motorists if your car is stalled or if there’s been an accident.

 

7. Mobile Phone Charger. Keep an extra cell phone charger that you can hook up to the cigarette lighter socket in your car to keep charged for making emergency calls.

 

8. Blankets. Keep in plastic in your trunk. If you are stranded on a cold night, it will help you stay warm and avoid hypothermia.

 

9. Disposable Camera and Notebook. Have these in your glove box so that you can take notes and pictures after an accident.

 

10. Emergency Cash. Having some cash in small bills always available in your glove box can help you pay for emergency gas when needed or for unexpected tolls.

 

11. Life Hammer (aka Glass Hammer-Seatbelt Cutter). Keep in your glove box or on your keychain. This can save your life if you need to break a glass window from the inside to get out of a car filling with water. It can also cut your seatbelt after an accident so you can get out.

 

Being prepared beforehand is a key factor in handling serious mishaps when driving. We encourage all drivers to put safety first. And when you have moved on to another vehicle and want to know where to donate your car for a tax deduction, consider Kidney Cars.

  

  • Help improve lives and donate your vehicle today.

  • We accept vehicles even if they no longer are running, as long as they have a title.

  • There is no cost to you, simply call us at 800.488.CARS (2277) or complete our online form.

  • Then schedule a pick up time that fits your schedule. You can make a difference in the lives of millions with kidney disease.