11 Items To Keep In Your Car In Case Of An Accident

As terrible as they are, car accidents are a fact of life, and the numbers show it. The US alone experiences an average of over 6 million car accidents each year, with road crashes the leading cause of fatalities. Of course, no one hits the road expecting to be involved in an accident, but these nightmares occur when you least expect them. They can change your life financially, emotionally, and physically, even if you survive them. Driving prepared is one of the wisest ways to minimize the effects of an accident. Wearing a seatbelt, being alert, and driving defensively are crucial. But it’s also important to keep some helpful items in your car at all times, as they can help minimize the dangers or effects of an accident. Here are ten of those helpful items. 

A first-aid kit

A first aid kit is another important item every car should have, as that can buy you enough time before the first respondents arrive. You’ll also be able to offer life-saving first aid to other victims in the accident before medical help comes. Of course, that also means you should know how to use the contents of your first-aid kit in addition to how to administer things like CPR if that becomes necessary.

So, what should be in your first-aid kit? You should have a complete assortment of supplies, including an antiseptic (ointment or spray), bandaid, tape, sterile gauze dressings in different sizes, scissors, safety pins, disposable sterile gloves, tweezers, and plasters in different sizes. Your first aid kit will prepare you for minor cuts, sprains, scrapes, and even severe wounds before you get the chance to see a doctor. It’s worth mentioning that a first-aid kit is mandatory, so please don’t take it lightly.

A cellphone and a charger

This point may sound obvious, as almost every driver carries a cell phone these days, but the point is still worth mentioning. Phones have become critical, life-saving gadgets in cases of accidents, as they make a world difference when it comes to helpers or first responders reaching you on time. No, you’re not supposed to be on your phone while driving, as that’s responsible for 23% of all car accidents. But you should always keep a cell phone close to you and within reach. Be sure to charge it before driving, and always carry the charger along, just in case - it doesn’t matter if you’re going for a quick trip to a convenience store. You’ll need your phone to dial 911, and your battery should be charged enough to document the crash (by taking pictures and videos) and get critical information to use as evidence after the crash

A fire extinguisher

A car crash can sever fuel lines and spark and spark fires, which can be deadly. While only 5% of car fires result from collisions, they account for 6 in 10 of all fatal vehicle fires. In other words, if a vehicle catches fire because of a collision, there’s a higher chance of a fatal casualty. That aside, a roadside accident isn’t always about a collision, as a vehicle can catch fire while on the road for many reasons. That’s why it’s important to always have a fire extinguisher in your car. You’ll find several portable ones designed purposely for vehicles and available in different sizes. Ideally, your fire extinguisher should positioned or secured under your passenger seat or in your glove compartment for easy access. Your trunk will not be ideal, as a collision can cause the electric components of your car system to freeze, locking your trunk in the process and making it impossible to access your fire extinguisher. 

An auto escape tool

As important as an escape tool is, many people forget or fail to purchase them. Studies show that about 40% of people will be trapped in their vehicles following a car accident. That could happen due to the electric components of the car system freezing (as mentioned in the previous point) or shutting down after a major collision. It could also happen if a vehicle overturns, leaving occupants of the car trapped in their seatbelts and suspended upside down. A driver can also become trapped in a car if the latter submerges in a body of water. 
An escape tool will help you free yourself and prevent worsening your predicament. Some tools are designed to cut through a seat belt and break car windows with minimal effort. Opt for one you can easily clip to a visor, attach to a keychain, or store in your glove compartment. 

Proof of insurance

Most states in the US already require drivers to keep copies of proof of insurance in their cars. Even if it’s not a requirement in your location, it’s still important to have at least a copy of this document in your glove compartment, as it contains information you’ll need in case of an accident. In most cases, your proof of insurance will bear your policy number and the insurance company claim department’s contact numbers. You’ll need to share this information with the driver of the other vehicle in case they intend to file a claim through your insurance company. A responding police officer will also request this information when filing a report. ​

​Important contact numbers

In case of an accident, it helps to have some important phone numbers you can call immediately, in addition to your insurance provider’s number and 911. You might want to keep the contact numbers of people or services like a car rental company, an emergency roadside assistance, or a tow company, and the numbers of your closest loved ones. It also helps to have an accident lawyer’s number, a law firm contact, or a bail bond company’s contact number with you, especially if you’re at fault and arrested after the accident. Being able to quickly reach a bail bond company, for example, will ensure that you don’t spend too much time behind bars. Because you might need to post a bail bond, it helps to know the costs ahead of time. So, take the time to check out the bail bond prices of an experienced and helpful bond company or bail agent. ​

A notepad and a pen

​Documenting the aftermath of the crash is super important for proving your innocence, avoiding liability, and getting your insurance claim as quickly as possible. With your notepad and pen, you can write down the time of the accident and the location. You should also note the name, contact number, and insurance policy of the other driver. As mentioned earlier, keeping a phone in your car can also help you document the accident, but a phone can get damaged from the crash, and you’ll need your pen and paper.

A dashcam

Speaking of documenting the accident, consider investing in a dashcam, too, especially one with a surveillance feature that can record events even if your car is turned off. Your dashcam will act as an objective witness, capturing the critical moments before the crash or accident. The footage will provide all the details needed, including the speed of the vehicles involved in the accident, the behavior of the other driver, and any other contributing factors that might escape your memory. This evidence will be useful when filing insurance claims and proving your innocence. 

A flashlight, flares, and a triangle

An accident can occur at any time, including the night. Things might feel twice as frustrating when you have no source of light to change your tires or observe your surroundings and call for help. Poor visibility in soggy and stormy weather conditions can also make your situation a lot worse. So, always keep a heavy-duty flashlight with new batteries in your car. 
Additionally, emergency triangles or flares will help protect your broken-down vehicle from further damage from approaching cars.

A spare tire and a jack

You should always make enough room in your trunk for a spare tire; you never know when you’ll need it. Even without being involved in an accident, any of your vehicle tires can bail on you at any time, leaving you stranded far from your destination. Purchase a spare tire designed to be used on your car type or model. It should be new and of good quality, capable of getting you to your destination, and please don’t forget to keep a jack next to it. You should also learn how to change a car tire, so you don’t have to wait for assistance. This skill is an absolute must for anyone who sits behind a wheel. ​

Snacks and water

Food may be the last thing on your might when you’re caught up in an accident, but it’s important to have something you can munch on and drink. Your car breaking down from an accident can put you right behind your schedule, and you might end up staying on the road for longer than is convenient. Hunger and thirst can quickly set in during this extended period of waiting, affecting your concentration levels and even causing you to make rash decisions. Having some filling snacks and a bottle of water will keep you hydrated, curbing hunger until you get moving again. That will also make such a stressful situation less unpleasant. 

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