Driving Prepared: Items you should have in your vehicle

Like myself, many of you probably enjoy driving in order to head out on vacation, explore new places, or visit friends and family. The truth is though, many of us head out onto the road unprepared for what lies ahead. I tend to go places where the vast majority of you might not go, including drives deep into National Forests on single track roads with no cell phone reception, but the fact is that there are potentially dangerous situations on main highways depending on the time of year, traffic, weather, road construction and more factors. What starts out as a simple trip over the mountains to grandma's house can very quickly lead to being stranded, stuck on the road with it blocked due to avalanches or flooding. Additionally, although it may shock some of you, there are several areas of paved highways that have poor or no cellular phone reception.

That is why there are a few essentials that should be a part of every vehicle's inventory, and depending on expected weather conditions and season, this list may need to be added to in order to ensure a safe trip.

Before I get into specific items, I also want to stress that the absolute #1 thing you can do before setting out on a long trip is to ensure that your vehicle is ready to go. If you haven't had it inspected recently or have fallen behind on maintenance it is crucial that you get it checked out by a reputable mechanic ASAP (unless you have those skills yourself). Many major auto service centers do offer a basic inspection geared toward travel. Just as important, consider it part of #1, is to have an trip itinerary and share it with someone. Close family, or someone you know will be available and intelligent enough to pass the information along if you do not reach your intended destination or do not check in with them. If anything changes (for example you end up staying overnight in a different location, fall behind schedule, or deviate from your planned route let that person know ASAP). Just by taking a 20 mile side trip, you could essentially expand a search arear by several hundred square miles.

The first thing that will come to your mind probably is "where do I put all this stuff"? You could invest in a plastic tote and put it all in one location like your trunk or rear storage area, but depending on the time of year, you might end up with a big pile of gear. Consider storing items under seats and in door pockets as well. Just make sure you remember what you put where. If you start sacrificing safety items for other travel items, then it's time to consider a rooftop carrier, hitch mounted basket, small trailer, or even possible using more than one vehicle on the trip.

One Last Thing: If you become stranded do not attempt to walk out or leave the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. In most cases where one adult chooses to go for help, that person is often does not survive. If you are properly prepared you should be able to provide for all of the passengers for up to 36 hours. This does depend on where you are at and how far you are from civilization and the possibility of someone finding you.

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This list covers multiple scenarios and might not be applicable to your specific situation. Vehicle size limitations may require alteration to products that use less space or packaging. Use common sense in planning for your trip and modify these suggestions to your specific travel plans and route.

#1) Spare Tire: One of the most important vehicle essentials is a properly maintained and inflated spare tire. Usually the spare tire languishes in the trunk or storage compartment and you only find out that it's low on pressure when you pull it out in an emergency. Additionally, you want to make sure the necessary jack and lug-wrench are in good condition. If you are unsure of what is needed to change a tire, refer to your vehicle owners manual. Also adhere to the maximum speed requirements of the spare, these tires are not designed for full freeway speeds (Unless you have a full size spare tire like a Jeep).

IF you have no idea how to change your vehicle's tire, I strongly encourage you to learn how and practice it at least once. You might also consider loosening all of your vehicle's lugnuts, lubricating them, and re-installing them to PROPER torque value. (If you don't own a torque wrench, find a reputable tire shop to do this for you. It can be very frustrating to say the least to remove rusted on lugnuts in a thunderstorm. Because chances are, the flat tire is going to happen at night and in the rain :)) If you have roadside assistance and are in a location to contact them, then feel free to let JimBob from the tow company change it for you, just be wary if you start hearing banjo music as he pulls up.

#1A Spare Tire Repair and Portable Air Compressor: As an extra measure of security I highly recommend investing a plug type tire repair kit, and a portable air compressor

#2) Flashlight: At least one working flashlight, with a change of batteries. It will help you out when you are changing tires in a thunderstorm at 10PM. Don't skimp out and get a dollar store flashlight, spend a bit of cash and get something that will cause sunburn at 100 yards.

#3) First Aid Kit: A clean, organized, and non-expired first aid kit should be in absolutely every motor vehicle on the road. Your kid might scrape a knee on a rest stop parking lot, or you might be the first responder to an accident. If you haven't looked at the first aid kit in awhile, check it out and make sure it isn't just an empty bag.

#4) Roadside Emergency Kit: A quality roadside emergency kit will contain items like jumper cables, flares, help signs, gloves, etc... You can purchase these types of kits pre-made or compile them yourself. Often the pre-made kits also include first aid kits as well. At a minimum I recommend having the previously mentioned items. Additionally I suggest duct tape, electrical tape, tie wraps, rope and some basic tools like pliers, adjustable wrench and a multi-purpose screwdriver or Leatherman type tool.

#5 Weather Appropriate Clothing: You should always carry weather appropriate clothing for the conditions you might encounter along the route. If driving through snowy mountain passes, plan on having warm jackets, gloves. water-proof or resistant boots or shoes, hats, etc... for EVERY person in the vehicle. I highly encourage you to purchase a cheap poncho for all vehicle passengers and maintain this as part of your vehicle safety supplies.

#6 Food and Water Rations for a minimum of 24 hours (longer encouraged depending on where you are traveling). Peanut butter, crackers, granola bars etc... all fit the bill here. The individual boxes of cereal are a good choice as the larger ones can take the place of a meal. Don't give in to complaining and begging and eat through your supplies quickly, everyone CAN survive on a restricted diet. One of my personal favorite items, which anyone in the US can buy online, or in certain local markets is Sailor Boy_TM Brand Pilot Bread. For those who have never heard of it, pilot bread is basically a large cracker that has a long shelf life, even when opened. One of these covered with peanut butter another topping is surprisingly filling and even my picky kids like them. Many canned foods that kids enjoy can be served at room temperature. If you have an infant or toddler plan on some extra food and formula for them.

As far as water goes, a 24 pack of bottled water goes a long way if properly conserved. Additionally, a couple one gallon or larger water jugs are a safe bet.

#7) Communications: While I did say that you can't always count on them, not having a celluar phone is worse than having one that might not have reception. I've been surprised to find cell service on a remote forest road. And while I said not to leave the vicinity of the vehicle, if there is a hill nearby that can be safely climbed, then you might consider it in order to get the word out. Sometimes just moving a few hundred feet on level ground is all it takes to pick up a signal. If you are really into communications, the you could consider other alternatives like ham radio, GMRS/FRS radios, or CB radios. Each do have limitations and some have licensing requirements, so research before you buy. ALSO, make sure you have a vehicle cell phone charger and that you keep your phone charged at all times.

#8 Blankets: A good thing to have especially in colder months. A substitute that can be stored in your vehicle year round are the foil-like space blankets available for a few dollars at many major retailers. These blanks are very efficient in keeping in body heat as you will not want to be running your engine often.

#9 Extra Fuel: Really depends on how far away from the beaten path you are traveling. I encourage you to be aware of gaps on the roads between fuel stations and plan accordingly. It never hurts to top up when you are at a half tank or less.

#10 Something to keep the kids occupied:  Essential to your survival .  Portable DVD players, gaming systems, coloring books or crosswords just to name a few. 

#11 Toilet Paper and Baby Wipes:  Sometimes there isn't a toilet within 20 miles and you can't hold it. 

If you have any suggestions or something I missed, let me know and I will update this list.