Are you planning any long driving trips this summer – perhaps the Alaska highway or a road-trip across North America? No matter where you’re going I’d suggest throwing in a safety kit  for cars – with some unusual items that might save you some grief.

Let me first tell you why.

Many years ago my husband and I were driving the desolate back-roads of Nevada. Not a soul in sight for miles. Not a town. Not a house. Nothing. Nada.

Highway 50 - The loneliest road in Nevada - and guess where we were

And we’re off road – several miles in from Highway 50 –  the loneliest road in America.

We drive over a very sharp rock and puncture our fuel tank. Gas starts leaking out. Slowly but it’s definitely coming out. We look under the car and watch it drip, drip, drip.

And its hot, hot, hot. So hot you can almost fry an egg.

So hot you can almost fry an egg on the pavement

So we turn around and drive 75 miles to the nearest town. It’s Memorial Day weekend so not much is happening. The mechanic is nowhere  to be found.

But someone in the shop thinks like McIver. Suggests chewing gum.

We bought a few packs, chewed a big wad of the stuff, and patched the fuel tank.

Slept the night in Tonapah. The next morning seems the gum was holding. Decided not to risk the back road trip we’d planned and drove 8 hours home to Boulder – with nary a problem the whole way home.

Lesson learned. Carry chewing gum. Actually – don’t drive over sharp rocks.

Leigh’s Don’t Leave Home Without It Summer Driving Safety Kit List

Here’s what I think you should take.

• Chewing gum
• Duct tape
• Spare tire – PROPERLY INFLATED!!!!
• Nylons – to replace your fanbelt – any colour is OK or a spare fan belt specific to your car
• Can of compressed air with sealant to repair tire
• Pair of pliers
• #9 wire – if something falls off or a hoseclamp breaks
• Extra water – many gallons extra if you’re driving through the desert
• Extra food
• Books – to pass the time
• A map – in case you don’t have a GPS or it’s stolen
• Cellphone with battery charger
• Blankets

Have you been caught in the middle of nowhere without the proper tools? What would you include in a summer driving safety kit? Any good stories to tell?

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

Photo credits: Lonely road, fried egg

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