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Auto Club: How Teens and College-Bound Drivers Can Create a Roadside Emergency Kit for Their Cars

(LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17, 2005) — The Auto Club reminds teen motorists and university students heading back to college in the next few weeks that it's important to be prepared for a possible break down, even in a properly maintained vehicle.

According to Bill Howell, AAA's Battery Service Manager, it's wise for novice teen drivers and college-bound students to be prepared for breakdowns or emergencies by outfitting their vehicle with tools, clothing and other gear in a roadside emergency kit which can aid them should their car or truck become disabled. Properly stocked, an emergency kit will help drivers repair minor breakdowns or survive until help arrives.

"It's helpful to have an Auto Club or AAA membership card in your wallet, a fully charged cell phone in your vehicle and a disposable camera in your glove box in the event that you require a tow, 9-1-1 emergency assistance, or documentation of a crash," said Howell. "Placing several other items in an emergency roadside kit in your trunk will help prepare you handle minor mechanical problems to get yourself back on the road or until the Auto Club arrives."

Basic Roadside Emergency Kit Checklist:

  • Auto Club or AAA Membership Card (in your wallet)
  • Candles (in cold climates)
  • Cell Phone (charged and in vehicle)
  • Disposable Camera (in glove box)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Tire Pressure Gauge
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Flares, Warning Triangles or Reflectors
  • Flashlight with Extra Batteries
  • Heavy Gloves, Jacket and Blanket
  • Jack for Tire Changing
  • Jumper Cables
  • Paper Towel
  • Pencil and Notebook
  • Quart of Oil and Coolant (specific to your vehicle)
  • Rags
  • Reflective Sun Shade
  • Umbrella
  • Water

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CST 1016202-80 Copyright © Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.
The Automobile Club of Southern California is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the following California counties: Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.