Certain gadgets are expected to be carried in every vehicle at all times to meet the requirements of the law. These include:
Warning triangle (c-caution)
Fire extinguisher
Jack
Spare tyre
First Aid kit
Wheel spanner
Water
Hydraulic Oil
Transmission fluid
Torch light
Spare fan belt
A. Warning Triangle: To warn motorists that there is a break down.
B. Fire Extinguisher: There are two types of fire extinguishers: Dry powder-80F Liquid gas, which each vehicle is expected to carry with required number of units and sizes.
| VEHICLE | NO./REQUIRED | SIZE |
| Articulated | 2 units | 9 kg |
| Lorries | 2 units | 6 kg |
| Luxury buses | 2 units | 6 kg |
| Medium buses | 1 unit | 2 kg |
| Light goods Vans | 1 unit | 1 kg |
| Taxis | 1 unit | 1 kg |
| Cars | 1 unit | 1 kg |
How to use a Fire Extinguisher:
- Pull: Pull the pin, this will break the tamper seal.
- Aim: Aim low, pointing the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Do not touch the horn on a CO2 extinguisher, it gets very cold and can damage the skin.
- Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire, the fuel source, until the fire is out.
C. First Aid Kits: The basic knowledge of first aid is among the most useful skills you can have as a driver.
A First Aid kit should contain the following items:
Pair of scissors
Safety pins
Iodine
Cotton wool
Handkerchiefs
Plasters/dressing for wounds
Splints
Bandage
Disposable gloves
Razor blades
Adhesive tapes
Aspirin/ Paracetamol
Antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic
Petroleum jelly
Antibacterial Soap
Latex gloves / Facial mask
Note that some of these items are consumables therefore, there is need to constantly check and replenish them. Pay attention to items with expiring dates.
D. Spare tyre: A vehicle must always have a spare tyre.
Ensure that the pressure on all tyres including the spare is at maximum stability and road-holding. Under inflated tyres cause tyre burst and over inflated tyre wears rapidly at the centre of thread. This can cause damage to tyre casing.
E. Jack: the gadget enables you to change your tyre when you need to.
F. Wheel spanner: this is used along with the jack to unscrew wheel nuts and tighten them as the need arises.
