Contributed by David Galassi, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

A trip in the car very rarely leads to disaster.

And even more rarely does it lead to a survival-of-the-fittest event. But every driver should have an emergency plan in place, and every car should be equipped with a basic survival kit. Adjust your car survival kit items for the season and for the geography of where you are traveling.

Here are the top ten car survival kit items that everyone should keep in their vehicle.

10. Black Marker and Paper

If you have to abandon your vehicle leave a note as to which direction you are headed or other information helpful to emergency personnel.

9. A bag of sand

In cold climates you might find yourself stuck in a shallow rut or on some ice. Sand will aid in traction when placed under your tires.

8. A army shovel

An army shovel with a fold down handle is easy to store. Should you get stuck you can dig out of snow or sand.

7. Water

Especially in hot climates keep several bottles of water in your car or truck. Water is a life source in any survival situation.

6. Matches

Should you become separated from your car, fire is imperative regardless of climate. A signal fire also may come into play.

5. A tool kit

A small box containing the bare necessities for tools helps with small breakdowns. Even if you don’t know how to fix something, a good samaritan might have skills, but no tools – thank goodness you have them in your survival kit! If you are stranded for a long time, a basic tool kit can be very useful in a survival situation.

4. Signal flares

Pre-packed in a box, signal flares come in handy to signal help and warn traffic of a roadside breakdown.

3. Flashlight

Signaling help at night is always a key – you should have a heavy duty flashlight or lantern. Pack a few extra batteries for long trips. Also great for breakdowns at night to look under the hood.

2. Plastic Rain Gear

A rain gear kit is pre-packaged and takes up little room. If you have to walk to safety, rain pants and a poncho will keep you dry.

1. Blankets

A few blankets wrapped in a plastic shrink kit can be useful if stranded even if in a warm climate. Cool nights in your car can find the blankets of use to keep warm. If you are separated from your car, blankets can be wrapped like a poncho or shawl for additional warmth.