Car Accessories That Enhance Driving Safety: Which Accessories Are Necessary?
1. Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is one of the most essential items for driving safety. It prepares you for any unforeseen circumstances on the road. A basic emergency kit should contain:
- First aid supplies (bandages, wound cleaning spray, gloves, etc.)
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- High-visibility warning signs or reflectors
- Tow rope
- Hand pump (for flat tires)
It’s important to regularly check your emergency kit. Also, make sure to store it in an easily accessible place.
2. Spare Tire and Jack
Flat tires are one of the most common problems on the road. A spare tire and jack allow you to change your tire quickly and get back on the road. Make sure that both the spare tire and jack are correctly placed in your car and are in good condition for use.
3. Tire Pressure Gauge
Correct tire pressure is critical for driving safety. Low tire pressure can negatively affect vehicle handling, increase fuel consumption, and lead to tire blowouts. A tire pressure gauge helps you monitor tire pressure regularly. By maintaining proper tire pressure, you ensure safer driving.
4. Car Camera (Dashcam)
Car cameras (dashcams) continuously record the interior and exterior of your car. In the event of an accident, this device provides evidence of the details, ensuring safety for both you and others involved. Additionally, some dashcams are equipped with night vision, which enhances visibility during nighttime driving.
5. Airbag Kit
In older vehicles, airbag safety may not be standard. In such cases, adding airbag kits to the car can increase safety. Airbags protect the driver and passengers during a crash, so if your car lacks them or has outdated ones, installing such a kit can be a life-saving precaution.
6. Non-Slip Pedals
Slip risk increases, especially on wet and slippery surfaces. Non-slip pedals are practical accessories that eliminate this risk. These accessories ensure that your shoes maintain proper grip on the pedals, preventing slipping or pedal misoperation during driving.
7. Seatbelt Reminder for Passengers
Not having passengers wear their seatbelts can lead to serious accidents. Seatbelt reminder devices help remind all passengers to buckle up. This can be especially useful for families with children.
8. De-Icing Spray and Windshield Washer Fluid
In winter, ice on the car’s windows reduces visibility and makes driving unsafe. De-icing spray helps remove ice from the windows quickly, while windshield washer fluid cleans off dirt and ice, enhancing your visibility.
9. Small Fire Extinguisher
In the event of a fire, having a fire extinguisher in your car can be life-saving. Small and portable fire extinguishers provide a convenient safety measure without taking up much space. Be sure to check the expiration date and functionality of the fire extinguisher.
10. Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB)
Another important safety feature in modern vehicles is the Automatic Emergency Braking system (AEB). This system detects the vehicle’s speed and distance and automatically applies the brakes if a collision risk is detected. If your car doesn’t have this system, certain accessories can be installed to provide a similar function.