A homemade roadside emergency kit: A perfect gift for your teen driver
A roadside emergency kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road quickly and safely or being stranded for hours. It’s something every vehicle should have.
By creating your own kit, you can tailor it to the weather in your area and to the age and condition of your teen’s vehicle. You will also know exactly what’s in it.
A basic roadside emergency kit should include some of the following:
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Extra fuses
- Auto fire extinguisher
- Toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench and a pocket knife
- Jumper cables
- Road flares, triangle reflectors or LED flares
- Bottled water and nonperishable food items
- Cell phone charger
- Sand or kitty litter, ice scraper, blanket, gloves, wool socks, boots (if you live in a cold weather area)
- A can of tire inflator and sealant such as Fix-a-Flat
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tip: Everyone should know how to change or seal a tire and how to jump-start a dead battery
Once you have assembled the kit, determine a good way to keep these items together in your teen’s trunk. You do not want anything rolling around. A clear plastic container with a secure lid is a good option or even a backpack.
If your car breaks down, it’s important to always use good judgment. Make sure you pull off onto the shoulder and stop well out of the flow of traffic. Call roadside assistance, if you have it, and turn on your emergency flashers and stay in your vehicle until help arrives. If this is not possible, safely access your roadside emergency kit and proceed cautiously.
With a little planning, you’ll have a kit that could save the day and get you back on the road quickly and safely.
