(BPT) - Driving is a responsibility that can present unique challenges. Carrying some extra gear in your vehicle can help ensure you stay safe and are ready to aid others who run into trouble. Even if you have roadside assistance, it can take hours before someone arrives to help. That’s why it’s important to be self-reliant and prepare ahead of time.   

“Smart drivers know to equip their vehicles year-round with basic emergency gear, like flares and a first aid kit,” says Chuck Albrecht, president of Northern Tool + Equipment. “However, most drivers do not think about the extra equipment that can be a lifesaver in the event you become stranded.”

Here are some items that retailers Northern Tool + Equipment and Kotula’s would recommend every well-prepared driver should keep in their vehicle: