Have you ever heard the saying 'I never leave home without it?' There are many things that we love to bring along with us when we leave home, but when it comes to driving there are a few necessary items that should be in your vehicle at all times. From the obvious to the just downright smart, here are the top Five items you should always have with you in your car.

#1- Vehicle Registration and Insurance Information

Not every state requires drivers to be insured, but it's the law to have your registration information with you. Keep these items in a safe place- many drivers choose their glove box, because we are able to keep it locked. If you find yourself in an accident, you'll want that insurance info on hand, and if you happen to be pulled over or if you come upon a license check, you'll probably be asked for your registration. Keep it where you can find it, and if you happen to be driving someone else's car- a parent or friend's, make sure you know where that information is!

#2- Maps

Technology is truly wonderful, and GPS has come quite a long way since its birth, but you may not always be in an area with excellent signal, or signal, period. It's a good idea to make sure you have updated maps- local (state) and a road atlas with you at all times. If you find yourself lost, chances are, you'll be able to find your way back to where you need to be, with a map. Be sure to scope out the map before you hit the road, and look at alternative routes, especially if you're headed to an area you're not super familiar with. It's also a good idea to have a hard copy of driving directions, if available.

#3- Safety Items

Having a personal safety kit with you while on the road is a smart idea. Keep a first aid kit handy, along with a glass breaker, personal alarm, a flashlight and batteries, a small fire extinguisher, etc. It's also a good idea to keep a tire gauge with you, as well as jumper cables, should you need a jump.

#4- Spare Tire

Even if you don't have room for a full blown spare tire in your trunk, you should at least travel with a donut. A donut tire can be lightly driven on for many miles, to get you to a safe stopping point to seek assistance. If neither a spare or donut is an option, fix-a-flat can be used in a pinch to patch a hole, and get you a few miles down the road- though it would be better to call a service, such as AAA, if you found yourself with a flat tire, and no alternative.

#5- Food and Water

One never knows what they might encounter when they head out on the road, so it's always a good idea to keep fresh, bottled water with you, as well as non-perishable snacks. Even if you don't wind up in a major situation, you'll at least have something to tide you (and perhaps your children, if they're traveling with you) over until you can get to your destination.

Keeping these items with you during your travels will undoubtedly make for a safer trip, should you find yourself in a bind.

Brought to you by Palmer Dodge Georgia.