What safety equipment should you have in your car?

Published on 2023-03-30 in Coastline Academy

Having the proper safety equipment in your car is crucial for protecting yourself and your passengers in case of an accident or emergency. Here are the essential safety items you should have in your car.

First aid kit: This should include bandages, antiseptic solution, gauze, scissors, and adhesive tape.

Fire extinguisher: A small, multi-purpose fire extinguisher can help you put out a small fire before it grows out of control.

Warning triangles/flares: These items can help alert other drivers of an accident or breakdown, especially at night or in low visibility conditions.

Spare tire and tools: Make sure you have a properly inflated spare tire, jack, and lug wrench to change a flat tire if needed.

Jumper cables: In case your car battery dies, you can jump start it using another vehicle with these cables.

Flashlight and extra batteries: A flashlight can come in handy during nighttime breakdowns or other emergencies.

Reflective vest: Wearing a reflective vest can make you more visible if you need to walk along the road to get help.

Portable phone charger: Keeping a fully charged portable phone charger in your car can ensure you can make emergency calls or use your phone for GPS.

Blanket: If you get stuck in cold weather or have to wait for help, a blanket can keep you warm.

Water and non-perishable snacks: In case you get stuck in traffic or have to wait for help, having water and snacks on hand can help you stay hydrated and energized.

It's also a good idea to regularly check and maintain your car's brakes, tires, and other essential systems to ensure they are in good working order. Be sure to add these critical pieces of equipment to your vehicle before an emergency happens.


About the Author

Nigel Tunnacliffe

Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, on a mission to eradicate car crashes. An experienced founder and technology executive, Nigel and his team are shaking up the automotive industry by taking a technology-centric approach to learning and driver safety. Having served over 100,000 driving students across 500+ cities, Coastline was recently named the 6th fastest-growing education company in America by Inc. Magazine. Nigel is a frequent podcast guest and quoted driving education expert for major publications such as Yahoo!, GOBankingRates, and MSN.