Moving across the country or about to embark on a cross-country road trip? Before you start your engines and hit the road, make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Apart from enough clothes, snacks, and an epic road trip playlist, remember to be prepared for emergencies. You never know what could happen on long drives. Here are our top five car emergency kit must-haves:
1. Flashlight or Headlamp
Road trips are unpredictable. You never know what time of day you may find yourself in an emergency. If your car breaks down or you need to change a tire at night, you’ll be happy you packed a flashlight to help shine a light as you work. You can also use it to flag down other drivers if you need help. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries. Always check that your flashlight or headlamp still works before hitting the road.
2. Reflectors or LED Beacon
If your vehicle breaks down in the middle of a roadway, be sure to push it to the side of the road. Place reflectors at successive distances behind your vehicle to warn oncoming drivers that you’re up ahead. It will alert them to keep a safe distance from the side of the road and avoid colliding with your parked vehicle.
If you’re traveling somewhere known for rainy weather, you may want to pack an LED beacon instead. Regular reflectors aren’t as visible in the rain. LED beacons are durable, waterproof, and flashing lights can be seen under most weather conditions.
3. First-Aid Kit
Pain relievers, antiseptics, bandages, and gauze are must-haves regardless of where you are going and how long you are away.
First aid kits don’t just come in handy if you’re involved in a minor accident on the road; cuts and scrapes could happen anytime during your trip. Someone could fall and scrape their knee or cut their hand during one of the activities you have planned. The last thing you want to bring back home with you after a vacation is an infection
4. Duct Tape
There are endless uses for duct tape. They may not be permanent fixes, but they will do the job until you can get your auto to a proper repair shop. Duct tape is super strong and flexible enough to be a short-term solution for everything from patching a radiator hose to reattaching loose wires to closing a hole in your bag.
5. Portable Waste Bags
Cross-country vacations mean long hours on the road. The next pit stop could be miles away. Even if there is a rest stop coming up, there’s no guarantee it has a bathroom that’s clean enough for you to want to use.
There’s no need to hold the urge to pee or poop and risk a bigger accident because you’re so distracted that you can no longer focus on your driving. Waste Bags offer a convenient and sanitary solution when you don’t have access to a running toilet.
Restop’s portable waste bags utilize Waste Alleviation and Gelling technology. Restop waste bags are puncture-resistant and odorless. They’re easy to use, roll up, and pack away until you can throw them away in any trash can at your next stop.
