Driving is an integral part of daily life. Not only do cars get you from point A to point B, but they offer a portable sector of life that is uniquely yours. Perhaps your vehicle is your recording studio as you blast tunes on the way to work. Or maybe your car or truck serves as a quiet sanctuary, a tranquil place of calm away from the hustle and bustle of tasks. Whatever its function, your car still needs to stay safe and prepared should you encounter any emergencies on the road. Here are three smart auto habits to begin practicing today.

Stock Up

You cannot predict roadside emergencies. Even the best drives may still encounter fender benders, minor accidents, flat tires, and other issues. Stock up the essentials in a small crate or bag to keep in the back of your truck, bus, or car. Consider including jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid kit, and phone numbers of local businesses to help you find truck road service near me. A small safety kit takes up minimal space, but it will provide immense benefits should an unplanned situation arise. If you have young children, also consider packing emergency snacks, bottled water, and toys should a roadside incident leave you stranded for a few hours.

Street Smarts

While driving is the main function of your car or truck, it is important to still be mindful of your vehicle when it is not in your line of sight. Practice the smart habit of locking doors and rolling up car windows, no matter how short your stop is. Be sure to never leave the car unattended when unloading items in a parking lot or driveway. Always take your keys and personal belongings such as wallets and purses out of your car before locking it. Finally, be sure to park your car in a safe, well-lit location, especially at night.

Focused Driving

Finally, be sure when you are behind the wheel that your mind is focused on the road. If your car is capable, be sure to enable smart features to assist with hands-free texting, messaging, and calling. Consider creating playlists or bookmarking radio stations in advance, that way you aren’t preoccupied with changing the tunes mid-drive. Also, consider familiarizing yourself with your vehicle’s GPS systems so you don’t troubleshoot while driving should you get off course.

 

A little preparation can set you up for future driving success!