Gifts that help keep the drivers on your holiday shopping list safe are always the right size and never go out of style, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey says.

“Traveling around Prince Edward Island safely during the winter months requires preparation as well as the right equipment for your vehicle,” Minister Vessey said. “Items that people sometimes forget to buy for themselves – such as emergency kits and jumper cables – make thoughtful gifts that friends and family will appreciate receiving.”

Here are some last-minute gift ideas, courtesy of the Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada.

#1 – Winter Tires

Winter tires provide twice the traction in snow of all-season tires and maintain their optimal elasticity down to -40°C (allowing for better grip on the road and prompt braking), making them a must in cold climates.

#2 – USB Car Charger

A USB car charger is a practical gift – particularly for drivers who take long road trips – and can make all the difference in an emergency if your cell phone’s batteries are depleted.

#3 – Jumper Cables

Ensure that the drivers on your list won’t be stranded by a failed battery this winter by buying them cables that are at least 12 feet long; a 6-gauge rating is fine for most cars.

#4 – GPS

A Global Positioning System (GPS) with audio prompts can greatly enhance road safety by preparing you for turns and lane changes and help to navigate in poor weather conditions when visibility is reduced.

#5 – Windshield Wipers

They may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a Christmas gift, but many Canadians neglect to change their windshield wipers, costing them their visibility on the road; include some extra windshield washer fluid too.

#6 – Emergency Kit

A source of peace of mind and a real lifesaver in an emergency, an emergency kit should contain first aid items along with a flashlight with spare batteries, snacks, a paper map, flares, and winter essentials like a snow brush/scraper, a blanket and a shovel.

#7 – Roadside Assistance Membership

By purchasing a year’s roadside assistance membership – including towing services – for the drivers on your list, you can give the gift of peace of mind and help when it’s needed most.

For more road safety tips and information, visit www.gov.pe.ca/highwaysafety or www.BeCarCareAware.ca.