Car modifications for Safety?

All good ideas above. I drive a lot for work myself, usually about 30,000 miles a year. It used to be about 40K. I carry most of the things Shamrock mentioned, plus much of Burdo’s stuff. My main ideas are

  1. Always know where you are and how to get out. For that I have old fashioned Garmin GPS (a main unit and a backup). No relying on the phone for navigation. Also, good old paper maps. I have a steering compass on the dash (my boating habits may have influenced that- I can’t stand not seeing the exact direction I’m going at all times).

  2. Be able to get help and information. For that I have permanently installed radios; CB and GMRS. The GMRS can scan a lot of the UHF and VHF bands, plus weather. And, of course, a phone, but again, I don’t trust those. Verizon was down in my area for 24 hours post Milton just this week.

  3. Be able to get un stuck and moving, if at all possible. I drive an old Tahoe 4x4. I’ve upgraded the tires and suspension, but otherwise it’s stock. I also carry tools and spare parts to fix a ton of stuff in the field. Anything that I can repair roadside and could kill the engine, I have spares, like ignition parts, belt, etc.

  4. Be ready to camp if you have to. Water, snacks, blankets, towels, first aid kit, etc. I actually have a 12V mini fridge in the truck. Have a tarp or two, lines, bungee cords and anything else that could help you survive or stay dry. I’m thinking, say, you’re driving in a remote area, wreck, and you need to hunker down because no one knows you’re there yet.

  5. I also pretty much always have a .38 revolver on me, so I have a spare box of .38 ammo in the truck. The last thing I want is the be stuck out with just my EDC load out.

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