It would be good, therefore, when we use our vehicles, to have some items with us that will help in an emergency, whether we need help ourselves or another vehicle.

A pharmacy, a fire extinguisher, a safety vest, and a warning triangle are the items that the law requires us to have with us, but there are also other items that can make a difference when lives are at risk.

So let's see the necessary and optional items that we can have with us while using the road network in order to be able to help ourselves and others.

Car Pharmacy

The pharmacy we will have with us should include at least the basics defined by law, which are:

• One (1) package of at least 100 grams of hydrophilic cotton
• Four (4) boxes of sterilized gauze
• One (1) roll of adhesive tape
• Four (4) individual bandages
• Two (2) hemostatic bandages
• One (1) bottle of at least 200 grams of alcohol
• One (1) bottle of at least 50 grams of mercurochrome

In case someone is a doctor, they should also have additional equipment such as disposable syringes and some medications.

Fire Extinguisher

The fire extinguisher doesn't need many words, we should always have it with us, as it can prevent a fire at its early stage or contain one so that all passengers can safely exit a vehicle.

Safety Vest

The vest with its reflectivity makes us visible from far away to approaching vehicles, so drivers heading towards us will know that we are there and will drive carefully as they pass by us. Additionally, we must keep in mind that no matter what safety measures we take, there is always a risk, so in the event of a vehicle immobilization on a fast-moving road, it is good to sit on the side of the road as long as we have nothing to do in the vehicle, or even better behind the protective barriers, where they exist.

We can also have vests for the other passengers of the vehicle, especially for children if they are with us, as in a bad moment, we never know how someone will react, let alone a small child under stress.

Safety Triangle

Another important item that can save our lives, as it informs other road users about our presence, just like a vest, with a stationary vehicle. Some triangles are even illuminated!

Where do I place the triangle?

• at least 100 meters away from the rear of the car, on a fast-moving road or highway
• at least 50 meters away from the car, on a road outside a residential area
• less than 20 meters away, in a residential area

Emergency Hammer

These hammers can, with a quick and easy motion, break the car window, giving us the ability to exit the vehicle or to enter and help someone in need.

Some also have a safety cutter, so that we can easily cut the seatbelt in case it gets stuck and cannot be undone, essentially trapping someone inside the vehicle.

Battery Cables

Cables are a very useful item to have with us, as in case the vehicle's battery is empty, we will be able to jump-start it with the help of a second vehicle, and we won't have to wait for roadside assistance, which depending on the workload, can take hours to arrive.

Before using them, we should be sure about how to connect them, as in case of a mistake, there is a risk of extensive damage to both vehicles.

It would also be helpful to have with us some items that theoretically exist in all vehicles but may have been lost, as well as others that would be nice to have.

Often years go by and we don't see that they are actually in the vehicle, as we haven't had the chance to look for them. So let's make the effort to make sure we have them. Some of them are:

• Car jack, lifts the vehicle so that we can change the tire
• Towing hook, screws into a special slot in the front or rear of the car, as defined by the manufacturer, to prevent damage during towing
• Car battery starter & charger, provides enough power to start the vehicle in case the battery is dead, without the need for a second vehicle or battery
• Tire pressure gauge, measures the tire pressure without the need to visit a gas station or tire shop
• Tire repair kit
• Dashboard cleaning brush

I finish with a thought, let's drive as we would like our neighbors to drive, and let's help in a moment of need on the road as we would like others to help us.