Is It Necessary to Equip a Life Jacket in the Car?
3 Answers
It is unnecessary. In the event of a vehicle accident where the car submerges in water, there would be no time to open the trunk and search for a life jacket. Essential items to keep in the vehicle include a reflective vest, a car fire extinguisher, a warning triangle, and optionally, jumper cables, a seatbelt cutter/window breaker, and a tow rope. Below are detailed descriptions: Reflective Vest: A reflective vest helps to clearly indicate the driver's position when the vehicle breaks down, serving as a warning to vehicles behind. Warning Triangle: The warning triangle also serves as an alert. It is typically placed 50 or 150 meters behind the vehicle. Fire Extinguisher: In case of a vehicle fire, a fire extinguisher is necessary for emergency response.
Personally, I find it quite meaningful to keep a life jacket in the car, especially considering unpredictable weather and the risk of sudden floods. For instance, the area where I live often experiences heavy rainfall in summer. Once road water levels rise significantly, not having a life jacket can easily put you in danger. In fact, it's not just about life jackets—I also keep a small emergency kit in my car, including a whistle, a waterproof flashlight, and backup food supplies, all of which can be lifesavers in critical moments. Of course, these items aren't used every day, but it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially during long trips when an extra layer of precaution makes sense. Moreover, some car models now incorporate storage-friendly designs, allowing folded life jackets to fit neatly in the trunk without taking up much space, yet proving invaluable in emergencies. In short, prioritizing safety makes equipping a life jacket a wise choice for risk-conscious individuals, offering an extra layer of protection when the unexpected strikes.
Whether to equip a life jacket depends on your usual driving scenarios. For commuters like me in urban areas, a life jacket is basically useless and even feels like a waste of space—keeping a toolbox or spare tire in the trunk is far more practical. However, it's a different story if you live near water or go on suburban road trips. I once camped by a lake with my car parked near the shore, and the life jacket helped mitigate the risk of accidentally slipping into the water. When it comes to emergency equipment, I prefer versatile tools like a small fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, which are more useful both daily and in emergencies. Cost and convenience also matter—a cheap life jacket costs just a few dozen yuan, but keeping it unused for long periods is a waste of space. So, tailor your preparations to your personal habits and location instead of blindly following trends—that’s the right approach.
