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15 Safety Items Every Young Driver Should Have In Their Car
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Pack your teen driver’s car or truck with this seatbelt cutter, rechargeable jump-starter and other potentially lifesaving tools. Tessa Flores is a Staff Writer for HuffPost covering a number of shopping topics and lifestyle trends. Whether your teen is heading off to college or the proud owner of their own vehicle, there’s something critical below. The following selection of products includes things like portable jump starters, an emergency escape tool and other must-haves for anyone with a newly minted driver’s license. This highly rated and rechargeable jump starter kit includes booster clamps, charging cables and a spark-proof 12-volt portable jump starter that can safely bring dead batteries back to life on both gas- and diesel-powered engines. The battery starter also functions as a portable powerbank and can charge devices using the included USB adapter. It also has a built-in 100-lumen LED flashlight for making nighttime battery jumps a little easier. In previous reporting, mechanics have suggested using a digital pressure gauge to check tires monthly in order to help catch tire-related accidents before they happen. Though our experts did not suggest a specific model, we think this one is a great starter. This particular easy-to-use tool has four settings to check pressure on a variety of tires and a built-in LED flashlight to make it easier to take readings in the dark. Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in three colors). If your young driver is ever in a potentially dangerous situation inside of a car, this type of emergency safety tool can be vital to have. It has a razor-sharp stainless-steel blade that can quickly slice through a jammed seatbelt, and a metal double-head hammer that can break through tempered glass. This set of two from Amazon Basics has a 4.8-star rating. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $8.99 (also available as a four-pack). When a tire is low on air, this portable air compressor can save a driver the trouble of having to deal with the often-broken coin-operated machines at the gas station. It simply connects to a car's 12V outlet while the hose nozzle attaches to the tire valve to inflate most standard tires. The compressor also has an automatic shut-off feature so there's never any risk of over-inflation. Simply enter the desired tire pressure and let it work! It has a digital tire gauge so you'll always know if you need to top off before a road trip. Get it from Walmart for $14.99 (originally $24.99). Disinfect wounds, bandage cuts and soothe burns with this 298-piece first aid kit. Its clear plastic interior compartments keep everything organized and the soft sided zip case makes storage and transportation a breeze. Get it from Amazon for $18.94 (available in two sizes). Experts suggest having a reliable car jack stashed in your vehicle at all times in the event a tire needs changing. We found this highly rated option that has a solid base plate, is made with a strong pressure-resistant steel and can raise vehicles up to 15.15 inches. Experts suggest reflective road triangles as a way to help warn other motorists of roadside trouble, especially during a nighttime scenario when visibility is decreased. This particular three-pack of triangles was selected by us and meets the Department of Transportation's equipment standards. The fold-up design also features a stable, sand-weighted base so the triangles won't blow away in the wind. Get the three-pack with a stand from Amazon for $22.79 (also available in other sizes and pack styles). If you want to pack all of your car safety essentials into one purchase, this roadside safety kit is a good place to start. It's equipped with practical items like safety gloves, jumper cables, a tool set for car-related repairs and a 1,000-pound tow rope. Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (also available with an air compressor). These sway-adjustable blind spot mirrors have a flexible convex shape that reflects the surroundings of neighboring lanes so your young driver knows when it's safe to change lanes. They adhere with included pressure-sensitive tape, offer a universal fit for most vehicle mirrors and are made with a waterproof, rust-resistant material and a non-haze glass. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.94+ (available in seven shapes and as a four-pack). Another popular rechargeable jump starter option is the Halo Bolt, a compact and ultra-portable starter that can revive a full-sized car or SUV using the included jumper cables. The Halo Bolt promises reverse polarity protection and short circuit protection for safe operation, and it also has a powerful LED floodlight as well as two USB ports for charging essential electronics. Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in four colors). Although no phone interaction at all while driving is ideal, some researchers suggest that using a tool like a phone mount placed at eye-level can help reduce distraction. This universal phone mount has an impressive 90,393 five-star Amazon ratings and features a telescopic arm to enable customized viewing angles. The suction cup base keeps the mount in place while the one-touch locking side arms securely hold the phone while the car is in motion. Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in two other styles). Designed by a pair of sisters who felt compelled to make a safety tool in response the grim sexual assault statistics impacting women in the U.S., this easy-to-use Birdie keychain can be useful for any young driver that finds themselves stranded roadside or walking to their car late at night. When activated, it emits an alarm as loud as a jet engine alongside flashing strobe lights in order to create diversion, get attention from other people in the area, and, hopefully, deter an attacker. Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in 12 colors). Whether your teen needs some light to find their keys, check the engine in the dark or hunt for a phone that's fallen beneath the seat, a pack of high-lumens flashlights can always come in handy. This pair of tactical flashlights offer five modes of powerful operation, including a zoomable beam, and are constructed from military-grade aluminum. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $16.99 (also available as a single and in a rechargeable style). A useful tool to have in case of freezing weather conditions is this 27-inch snow brush with a detachable ice scraper for ensuring that your teen's windshield is driving-ready. The layered and thick-haired brush head features polished bristles that won't scratch car paint and the ergonomic handle is cushioned for comfort. Get it from Amazon for $16.14+ (available in two sizes, three colors, and two-packs). Slick and frozen roads are not the safest to drive on, especially for inexperienced drivers, but these anti-skid traction devices can add an element of safety in winter and inclement weather. These durable chains come in a variety of tire sizes, promise an easy installation and can also help free a vehicle that's stuck in snow and mud. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
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