Saftey Gift Ideas For The Holidays

BALTIMORE, Nov. 29 -- Holidays are usually a time for exchanging expensive, frivolous or non-essential gifts. This year Pat Goss, master technician on PBS' weekly automotive magazine, MotorWeek, suggests giving the gift of ``safety'' to family members and friends.

``Road flares and booster cables aren't something we think about until we need them,'' said Pat Goss, ``but having them when we need them is what's important.

``No one is immune to car problems. Most drivers are so busy keeping up with their `daily routine' they disregard the importance of buying safety items for the car. While easy to understand, it's a big mistake. After all, the sole purpose of a safety kit is to help deal with a problem that hasn't even happened -- yet!''

If you're playing Santa this year, consider the drivers on your list who would benefit from your thoughtfulness -- new teenage drivers, busy moms, retired travelers, business executives -- anyone who gets behind the wheel!

After the glitter has worn off the other packages, this common sense approach to gift giving will keep someone safe and confident on the road for months to come.

Emergency trunk kit items include:

-- Flashlight with extra batteries -- Jumper cables (preferably the cigarette lighter to cigarette lighter variety) -- First aid kit -- Pocket knife -- Multi-purpose tool -- Ice scraper -- Lock de-icer -- Thermal blanket -- Warm gloves -- Brightly colored cloth for flag -- Reflector vest -- Road flares -- Mechanics wire for tying up a loose or dragging car part

In addition to the emergency trunk kit, drivers should always drive with a full tank of gas, a good spare tire and jack, and carry a cell phone with a cigarette lighter adapter. Families, colleagues or friends can pool resources and give the entire kit, including a sturdy box to hold the items. Another natural for the holiday gift-giving season is membership in an auto club.