carstuff

I think it is important that people carry a safety kit of some kind in their vehicles. I lived for many years in Germany and it was required by law that you have an approved First Aid Kit and a warning triangle in your vehicle. Perhaps the US or the states should look into this.

It is pretty easy to build a safety kit and tailor it to your needs (someone in Florida is probably not going to need snow chains). Here is a list of stuff I have in my car:

First Aid Kit (German)
Warning Triangle (German)
Emergency Space Blanket
Military Surplus "US" Blanket
Flashlight
Cyalume Sticks (Chemlights--"glow sticks")
Extra Batteries
Emergency Strobe Light
Knife
Matches
Candle Lantern
Jumper Cables
Spare Tire
Jack
Tools For Changing Wheels
Sand (Winter driving)
Chains (Winter driving)
Cord (50 ft.)
Food (various types of "power bars")
Water (bottled-change ever now and then)
Pre-Mix Anti-Freeze
Oil

That sounds like a lot of stuff, but it really doesn't take up that much room and these items have come in handy numerous times, both for me and for those I have stopped to help.

If you go shopping for a First Aid Kit, don't buy some wimpy day-hiking kit. You don't need Band-Aids if you stop at a car accident. You are concerned with providing immediate life saving care from critical injuries. We're talking stuff Band-Aids can't stop. You need stuff for major wounds: Large pads, cravats, etc. You can make your own pretty eaasily, especially if you have a medical supply store near you.

I like carrying the Space Blanket because it works great when you are inside the car, but it doesn't insulate you from things. For example, if someone were hurt and I wanted to keep them warm, I could use the Military Blanket underneath them to insulate from the cold ground and the Space Blanket on top. There are two basic types, the small flimsy ones or the heavy duty ones. Either work fine.

A lot of this stuff is not very expensive. You don't need a 4 or 6 D-cell MagLight flashlight (I have a 4 D-cell). The Strobe may be a bit much, but I like it. But if you shop around, you can probably build a heck of a kit for around $50.

And while you are preparing, take a CPR and First Aid course. I'd love to see these be mandated as well. I had my first one when I was a young teenager and have kept up with it for many years.