5 roadside safety gadgets every new driver should have in 2025

Summary

Roadside tool kits are essential for compact cars and contain various tools for emergencies.
NOCO Boost jump packs come in handy for jump-starting cars and charging devices.
LED road flares and Resqme glass-breaker tool are must-haves for safety during roadside emergencies.

Approximately 6 million car accidents occur in the United States each year, and that’s not counting how many people simply puncture their tires or blow a radiator hose on their daily commutes. Statistically speaking, most of us will have been in some form of automotive accident in our lifetimes, and even more than that will suffer some sort of inconvenience that leaves us stranded on the roadside.

I make several road trips a year for either work or vacation. Therefore, it only makes sense to be as prepared as possible when these moments arise, and thankfully, many companies out there agree. Of course, jumper cables should be standard in any vehicle, so we’re not going to mention any of that. In 2025, there are numerous manufacturers producing roadside emergency kits that can be quite helpful in a pinch. From booster packs to glass-breakers, these five gadgets can make any driver feel more comfortable behind the wheel, as they’re prepared for whatever the day might throw their way.

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Even if you’re not the handiest, anything beats the equipment you’ll get from the manufacturer

Apollo Tools

Before anyone recommends a large, bulky Milwaukee packout set that is fit for a contractor to use, I want you to stop and think for a moment — where are you going to put that? The reality is that most people aren’t driving or buying pickups anymore. Instead, they’re buying compact to mid-sized SUVs, and this is the perfect toolset for that exact need. A larger ratcheting screwdriver accompanied by a much smaller one for tight spaces, a full set of alan head bits, every metric-sized socket you might need, and even some bits you probably won’t ever use make this little set ideal for first-time drivers in a pinch.

I don’t send my fiancée down the road for anything without this set tucked away in her trunk, and it’s gotten me out of a pinch more than a time or two on my own. While this set is metric, standard sets may be better suited for some vehicles, so make sure to check your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s notes before purchasing.

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2

NOCO Boost jump packs

There are a lot of battery packs out there, but I swear by NOCO and its build quality

NOCO

As a former marine mechanic, I’ve seen and used just about every jump pack out there, or at least some variant of it. No brand has impressed me quite like NOCO, and it comes down to the usability of its products. These jump packs can do everything from jump-starting your car, having an emergency phone charger, a flashlight, or even an air compressor, depending on how much you want to spend. On a full charge, there isn’t much these battery packs can’t do, and the lithium technology of the batteries themselves makes sure that you’re not leaking power if it stays locked in its case, which is my biggest gripe with most chargers. After all, if I have to plug it in all the time, when will it ever be in my car when I need it most?

The GB40 I’ve tagged above is the best bang for your buck in the lineup, but the Boost series really does alleviate any stress I ever have regarding electricity if I’m working with an older battery or making any long road trips.

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3

LED Road Flares

Reusable, long-lasting and easy to stow away, flares are a must for any trip or new driver

A magnetic LED roadside flare attached to a stationary vehicle.

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Breakdowns don’t just happen during the daylight, and as much time as I’ve spent on I-65 in my lifetime, I can promise you it’s the last place I want to break down at night. In years past, this problem was combated by old-fashioned road flares that burned bright. However, this is 2025, and thankfully, there are some more efficient alternatives, like this set of LED road flares.

They’re magnetic, so you can stick them to the side of most older vehicles. However, if your car is aluminum, don’t fret, because they work just as well when placed on the ground around your vehicle. They’re bright enough to see from a distance, but not so bright as to blind passing drivers.

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Most window breakers are gimmicky and don’t work, but this one does

Resqme

I hate gimmicky products. Far too often, I’ve been handed a ‘glass-breaking tool’ with a screenprinted logo on it as part of a marketing campaign. They’re often cheaply made and would never work in the case of an actual emergency. Luckily, I’ve found one that does. Resqme doesn’t require you to wind up like you’re hitting a baseball 450 feet. Instead, all you have to do is apply steady pressure in the event that a window needs breaking, and the Resqme will shatter the glass in an instant. Don’t believe me? Good thing it’s already been tested.

The best part of the Resqme is its compact size. It’s small enough to fit on a keychain or stow away in any easily accessible compartment, and the razor blade that is meant to cut the seat belt is hidden away enough that there’s just about a zero percent chance you’ll accidentally catch it on anything but its intended target.

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5

Electric air jack

Manufacturer jacks are cheap and never easy to maneuver, but an electric one fixes all of that

An electric air jack underneath a vehicle.

Lowe’s

If you’ve ever had a flat tire on the side of the road, you know how moronic the OEM scissor or bottle jacks tend to be. They’re a pain in the neck to actually wind, and they have to be in the exact right space on the exact right terrain to work proficiently. However, an electric air jack fixes all of those issues, all while being able to plug into any 12V outlet in your car.

I wasn’t a believer in these until I saw one in action, and we used it to change a trailer tire that was holding up a water-ready 26-foot boat. You’d be surprised at the strength some of these little jacks have.

“Oh, Tanner, what if my battery is dead?” Then you can use your NOCO Boost jump back to get the car started again, and everything will be right with the world.