How many times have you pulled up to a tollbooth or parking meter without the right change? Ever sneeze while driving and have to resort to using the inside of your coat to tidy up? How about getting off at the wrong exit to find there are no road signs?

The Scouts' motto is "Be Prepared". It should be the drivers' motto as well. Items that would make your driving experiences less of a hassle are inexpensive and don't take up a lot of room. You could even stash a good road kit in a shaving case if you had to.

The first item that you should have is a road map. If your car doesn't have GPS, a paper map is invaluable. I keep a state map and an Atlas in case I go out of state. You do need to update your map from time to time, say about every five years, because of new roads and highways being built. If your map doesn't have a date on it, write the date on the front so you at least know when you bought it.

The next item you should always have is a pack of tissues and maybe even some of those wet wipes. Tissues are great for watery eyes or runny noses, but they can also be used to pick up stray insects who insist on walking across the steering wheel. Wipes are invaluable for cleaning off stickiness or dust on interior surfaces, or for cleaning up after changing a tire.

Spare change is handy to have in the car. If you need a few cents for that $1.06 coffee, instead of breaking another bill, you'll have them. You'll also be glad you had some spare quarters when you pull into that parking space with a meter. You may want to keep some ones in the car too, as many parking garages only take bills.

You'll always be glad you have the emergency kit even if you don't use it. Your kit should include some type of flare or reflector, a flashlight, jumper cables, a screwdriver or two, and a few spare light bulbs in case one burns out.

An emergency hammer will save your life if you have to get out of your car quickly. This small item has a sharp point for breaking a window if it won't open and the doors are blocked. It also has a blade built into the handle to cut a seatbelt in case you can't get the belt off. Some models have a light in them also. It takes almost no effort to break a window if you have to. All you need do is push the point against the window and let physics take over.

If you do a lot of long distance driving you might want to keep some snack bars and gum in the glove box. If you are stuck somewhere, you'll be glad you have the cereal bar to tide you over. Gum will help you feel less thirsty. You can keep a bottle of water in the glove box too, but it could freeze on a cold day and be too hot to drink on a hot day. I carry a filtered water bottle with me all the time, so I always have water available. You might consider doing the same.

A small First Aid kit including adhesive bandages, an antibiotic cream, and a few aspirin should be in your car as well. I also keep a small tube of sunscreen in mine. If the car breaks down and I have to walk, I'd rather not fry while doing it.

You can customize your kit depending on the type of driving you do, but these suggestions will give you a good start and a little peace of mind on your next drive.

Learn more about this author, Liane Laskoske.
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