6 Car Essentials to Carry in Case of Emergency Roadside Events

 

Even with the safest driving habits and precautions, a lot can happen behind the wheel. Fortunately, AAA’s team of ASE-certified master technicians have you covered with the industry’s best car tools and advice. Here are six items they recommend keeping in your car at all times to safely navigate both common and uncommon driving scenarios.

ROAD SCENARIO #1: YOU ARRIVE FIRST TO THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT OR BREAKDOWN

Your best bet: The Lifeline AAA Traveler Road Kit comes with everything you need to charge a dead battery, administer basic first aid, and provide critical lighting to navigate the scene and direct traffic.

Why it’s essential: The 64-piece kit features 10' jumper cables, first-aid kit, reflective traffic triangle, LED flashlight, and more. Stores compactly for quick retrieval when you need it most.

ROAD SCENARIO #2: YOU NEED TO ESCAPE YOUR VEHICLE AND SIGNAL FOR HELP

Your best bet: The sturdy Travelon 4-in-1 Car Emergency Tool enables fast vehicle evacuation and emergency signaling in the event of fire, flooding, or other immediate threat.

Why it’s essential: Potentially life-saving features include: a sharp blade for quickly releasing seat belts and heavy clothing; a powerful spike for breaking thick automotive glass; a flashing red beacon and high-powered flashlight to alert others to your location; and a heavy-duty magnet for secure storage and fast retrieval.

ROAD SCENARIO #3: YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN AN AT-FAULT ACCIDENT OR ALTERCATION

Your best bet: The HD/DVR, dual lens SCOSCHE Dash Cam with SD card stands at the ready to capture important visual evidence of accidents and other events from your vehicle.

Why it’s essential: Insurance companies may require video evidence of the incident. The camera’s suction cups mount securely to dash or windshield, while its wide-angle lens and 2.4-inch HD color display provide a clear picture of events surrounding the vehicle. Enabled for adjustable 1080P HD, 720P HD, or VGA resolution settings.

ROAD SCENARIO #4: YOU ENCOUNTER UNEXPECTED SNOWSTORMS WHILE DRIVING

Your best bet: The Lifeline Snow Survival Kit comes to your rescue with industry-leading tools the pros trust for pop-up inclement weather situations.

Why it’s essential: Designed for easy storage and quick assembly, the kit has a multitude of applications for standard vehicles, SUVs, light trucks, RVs, and snow/all-terrain vehicles. Includes:

• Snow brush with adjustable handle to access hard-to-reach places
• 10'' ice scraper that stores easily in glove box or door pocket
• Lightweight, adjustable shovel for digging out of fast-accumulating snowfall

ROAD SCENARIO #5: YOU OR OTHER MOTORISTS ARE IN IMMEDIATE VEHICLE DANGER

Your best bet: The Resqme 2-in-1 Survival Tool boasts a powerful seat belt cutter and tempered glass breaker to enable escape from a vehicle in the event of crash, submersion, fire, or other catastrophic event.

Why it’s essential: Originally developed for first responders, this tool has become essential for more than six million car owners worldwide, saving one life every 15 days on average. Attach it to a keychain or stow above the visor for quick access.

SCENARIO #6: YOU NEED TO JUMP A BATTERY FROM A TRICKY ANGLE

Your best bet: Everstart 4-Gauge Booster Cables feature superior 20' reach capacity for jump-starting any standard vehicle, SUV, or light truck.

Why it’s essential: In addition to providing better reach than many marketplace options, these flexible jumper cables resist tangling in the trunk while their color-coded clamps ensure proper connection to each respective terminal under the hood.