Is it necessary to keep a life jacket in the car?
4 Answers
It is not necessary to keep a life jacket in the car. Car toolkit: Every car comes with a toolkit, which usually contains some basic tools, including wrenches, screwdrivers, wheel rim keys, etc. Car owners should regularly organize and check them. It is best to clean them after each use to extend the lifespan of the tools. Spare tire: Spare tires are often forgotten under the trunk and lack maintenance. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners check the spare tire regularly every three months and inflate it if necessary. First aid kit: This is an emergency car equipment that most drivers do not have. In Audi cars, you can find a factory-equipped first aid kit. The kit should contain bandages, gauze, disinfectants, and other emergency medicines to provide first aid in case of an accident. At the same time, the first aid kit should be checked and cleaned every six months. Jack: A jack is an indispensable tool for changing tires, and almost all car manufacturers provide a set of jacks with the car. When buying a used car, be sure to check if the jack is intact, as the factory-provided jack is lightweight and easy to use. Factory car manual: Keeping the manual in the car for a long time has the advantage of clearly understanding the various conditions of the car. When a problem occurs, the cause can be immediately identified from the manual.
I think it's necessary to keep a life jacket in the car, which stems from my emphasis on driving safety. Imagine encountering sudden heavy rain or floods while driving, with the vehicle trapped in water—the life jacket becomes a life-saving tool. Data shows that globally, there are many car accidents caused by floods every year, especially when driving in riverside or low-lying areas, where the risk is higher. Storing a lightweight life jacket in the trunk takes up almost no space and costs just a few dozen dollars, yet it can significantly increase survival chances. I recommend choosing an auto-inflatable type for ease of use and checking the expiration date regularly to avoid aging. Considering the trend of climate warming and the increasing frequency of extreme weather, this small precaution can truly save lives in critical moments. Make it a habit to always keep one in the car for a more secure driving experience.
Regarding the placement of life jackets, I believe it varies from person to person and depends on the location. I often commute by car in the city, where it's rarely needed, so I don't keep one to avoid the hassle. However, last year, a friend of mine had his car slide into a river while fishing in the suburbs. Fortunately, there was a life jacket in the trunk, which saved him. This incident made me realize: if you often drive near rivers or on rural roads, keeping one is invaluable. It's not expensive—you can get one online for under a hundred yuan, and it can be compressed and stored without interfering with other items. But if you only drive in urban areas where the risk of flooding is low, it might not be necessary, and you might prefer to save space. The key is to assess your usual routes and weather conditions. It's always better to be prepared than not—a small action can yield significant potential benefits.
As parents, keeping life jackets in the car is essential. Child safety comes first—if an accident occurs during family outings, such as crossing bridges or camping by rivers, this tool can be life-saving. I opt for child-specific models and teach them how to use them in emergencies, briefly covering flood escape tips along with seatbelt knowledge. When storing, secure them under the seats to save space. Although the probability is low, being prepared makes the trip more reassuring.
