No matter how reliable your vehicle might be, there is always a possibility of ending up stranded on the side of the road. Whether due to a mechanical failure, a flat tire, or extreme weather conditions, being prepared with a roadside safety kit can make all the difference.

In this blog post, we’ll outline the must-have items that should be included in every motorist’s roadside emergency kit, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle most roadside situations. Plus, we’ll even provide you with our picks for the top 5 best roadside safety kits so you can be well prepared for safe travels on the road. 

Roadside Emergency Items: Must-Have Items for Your Kit

Hitting the roads is an adventure filled with unexpected turns. While we all hope for smooth journeys, it’s crucial to be prepared for those moments when things don’t go as planned. 

Roadside Visibility: Lights, Reflectors, and More

In the event of a vehicle breakdown or emergency, making sure you’re visible to other drivers is paramount. Here are some items to light up your situation:

• Roadside Safety Lights: These bright, high-visibility LED lights can be mounted on your vehicle, making it visible from a distance and alerting other drivers to your presence.
• Roadside Safety Triangles: Place these reflective triangles behind your vehicle to create a clear, unmistakable warning signal for approaching traffic.
• Roadside Safety Discs: These versatile, reflective discs can mark hazards or guide traffic around your vehicle, enhancing safety for everyone on the road.
• Reflective Vest: Donning a reflective vest makes you more visible, especially during nighttime or in low-visibility conditions, ensuring your safety as you deal with the situation.

Essential Emergency Tools and Supplies

Being equipped with the right tools can turn a potential disaster into a minor hiccup. Here’s what you need:

• Jumper Cables: A dead battery is a common issue, but with jumper cables, you can quickly get back on the road with a little help from a fellow driver.
• Tire Repair Tools: This kit, including sealant, a spare tire, jack, and tools to change a flat tire.
• Tire Pressure Gauge and Spare Tire: Regularly check your tire pressure to avoid flats. A spare tire, along with a tire inflator, air compressor, lug wrench, and socket wrench, ensures you’re prepared for a change.
• Mechanic Gloves: Protect your hands while making repairs or changes with durable mechanic gloves.
• First Aid Kit: Stocked with antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages, and emergency blankets, this kit is ready for minor injuries or emergencies.

Weathering the Storm: Emergency Weather Auto Safety Essentials

Different weather conditions present unique challenges. Here’s how to stay prepared:

• Winter Roadside Safety Kit: Including ice scrapers, sand or kitty litter for traction, and warm clothing, this kit is designed to tackle cold-weather breakdowns.
• Roadside Safety Flares: In snowy or dark conditions, these bright, long-lasting flares can be your beacon, signaling for help.
• Accessible Rain Poncho and Weather Gear: Stay dry and comfortable with ponchos and appropriate weather gear, ensuring you’re prepared for rain or shine.
• Snow Brush, Snow Chains, and Tow Strap: These items come in handy during heavy snowstorms, allowing you to clear your vehicle, improve traction, and even help pull your vehicle out of the snow if needed.

Choosing the Best Roadside Safety Kit for Your Needs

It’s not just about grabbing any kit off the shelf. You need to think about what fits your car, your driving habits, and the places you usually drive to. Here’s what you should consider when selecting the best roadside safety kit for you.

What to Consider When Selecting The Best Emergency Kit

• Your Vehicle’s Size and Type: Bigger vehicles might need heavier-duty equipment like heavy-duty jumper cables and towing straps.
• Your Driving Environment: Do you drive more in cities, or are you an off-road adventurer? Different terrains and climates require different tools.
• Personal Needs and Preferences: Think about what makes you feel safest. Maybe it’s having extra blankets or ensuring there’s a comprehensive first aid kit.

Focus on the quality, durability, and how complete a kit is. And remember, the best kit is one that gives you peace of mind and value without cluttering your car.

Best Roadside Safety Kits for Emergency Situations

1. Thrive Roadside Emergency Car Kit

What’s Inside: This robust kit is jam-packed with 104 essential items, making it akin to having a mini-hospital and garage all rolled into one convenient package. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find inside:

• A comprehensive 66-piece first aid kit for medical emergencies.
• A durable and handy carry bag for easy transportation and storage.
• A cozy blanket to keep you warm during cold nights or while waiting for help.
• A life-saving CPR kit for emergency resuscitation efforts.
• Protective gloves and bandages for dealing with injuries or performing repairs.
• An air compressor for inflating tires on the go.
• A sturdy tow strap for pulling your vehicle or helping others in need

2. General Medi 127-Pieces Roadside Car Emergency Kit

What’s Inside: Designed to be a versatile companion for almost any auto emergency you might encounter, the General Medi 127-Pieces Roadside Car Emergency Kit packs a punch with its contents. This all-in-one pack is not just about quantity but quality and usefulness, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the unexpected. Inside, you’ll find:

• Jumper cables for those moments when your car needs a quick battery boost.
• A tow rope to help pull your vehicle to safety if it cannot be immediately fixed.
• Bandages to address minor injuries on the spot.
• A safety vest to keep you visible to other drivers, enhancing your safety by the roadside.
• An emergency triangle to alert oncoming traffic and prevent further incidents.

3. AAA Premium Road Kit, 42 Piece Emergency Car Kit

What’s Inside: If you’re seeking a portable yet comprehensive solution for roadside emergencies, the AAA 42 Piece Emergency Car Kit is your ideal match. Tailored for convenience and reliability, this AAA-branded kit is lightweight and comes with 42 essential components to ensure you’re prepared for unforeseen events on the road. Highlights of the kit include:

• 8-foot 8-gauge jumper cables for jump-starting your car in case of a battery drain.
• An aluminum flashlight (including batteries) to provide illumination during night-time emergencies or while working in dimly lit conditions.
• A versatile 2-in-1 screwdriver for quick fixes and adjustments.
• Duct tape for a wide range of temporary repairs.
• An emergency poncho to keep you dry in rainy weather conditions.

4. Everstart Road Trip Safety Kit with 10 Gauge Smart Booster Cables

What’s Inside: The EverStart Road Trip Safety Kit is the perfect companion for new car owners and those who might not have much experience with car troubles. It includes:

• A versatile work light that also functions as a roadside warning signal, ensuring you’re visible and safe.
• Smart booster cables come with a clever control box that warns you if they’re connected wrong and checks the circuit before you jump-start, making it safer and easier.
• Essentials for comfort and safety like a yellow rain poncho, a cozy black blanket, and a pair of knit gloves to keep you warm and dry.
• A multi-color and function warning light to alert passing drivers or signal for help.
• A handy pocket manual packed with quick reference tips and a QR code directing you to online resources for safe driving and how-to tips.
• The kit also includes a registration card for an Emergency Roadside Assistance program, offering further peace of mind.

The kit is neatly packed in a grey carrying bag with a clear view pouch, making it easy to see and grab what you need. Plus, it comes with 4 x AA batteries to power the work light and warning signal.

5. Justin Case Black Deluxe Travel Auto Safety Kit

What’s Inside: The Justin Case Deluxe Auto Safety Kit is designed to provide a broad range of tools for almost any roadside emergency. This kit features:

• 8 foot 8 gauge jumper cables for reviving a dead battery, and a tow strap for those times when you need a pull.
• Protective gear including gloves and a poncho to keep you safe and dry, regardless of the weather.
• A compact first aid kit for minor emergencies and injuries.
• A headlamp to illuminate your work area or signal for help in the dark.

One of the standout features of this kit is the complimentary one-year Roadside Assistance membership, which covers up to three incidents over 12 months, with a benefit value of $180. This unique program offers help on a sign-and-drive basis up to a maximum of $60 per incident, ensuring that help is always at hand when you need it most—and with no membership fees required.

Prioritizing Roadside Safety for Peace of Mind

At Eagle Wing Towing, we know just how much a roadside safety kit can come in handy. We specialize in emergency roadside and towing services in Aurora and Denver, Colorado. While we hope you never have to use your emergency roadside safety kit, being prepared is key to handling these situations with confidence. By equipping your vehicle with these key items and supplies, you’re not only ensuring your safety but also the safety of your passengers. Regularly check and replenish your kit to ensure everything is in working order and ready for use. Safe travels!