Stock a first aid kit with bacterial spray or ointment, a selection of bandages, burn cream, motion sickness tablets, gauze, dressing, hot/cold pack, tweezers, scissors, and eye care products. Matches and a candle are a good addition to help see at night.
Put an inflatable spare tire in your vehicle since blowouts and flat tires are a common cause of roadside emergencies. Make sure there is also a lug wrench, tire iron and a jack for changing a tire.
Revive a dead battery with jumper cables. This solution will only work if there is another car available to attach them to. Alternately, a portable battery booster will recharge the battery when there are no other vehicles around.
Place a flashlight in your vehicle. This is an invaluable tool at night to help illuminate a small area.
Clean up after a roadside repair with hand cleaner and rags. Vehicles are full of oil, grease and dirt and even a simple repair will get your dirty.
Carry a pair of gloves in the vehicle so working on the vehicle will not burn or cut your hands.
Write down information in the event of an accident with a pen and paper kept in the glove box, console or visor. According to ConsumerReports.com, drivers should carry a disposable camera to document the condition of your vehicle, skid marks, and other visual elements of an accident.
Stash some money away in the vehicle for emergencies. Not every business will take a credit or debit card.
Eliminate hunger and stay hydrated when stranded by a roadside breakdown or accident by stashing some non-perishable snacks and bottled water.
Carry a cell phone and keep the battery charged. Even if you do not have an active account, you can dial "911" on your cell phone for assistance when there is an accident or car trouble.
