Six weekend road trip essentials

Metro Media Contributor The open road beckons many people, inspiring everything from extensive adventures to short weekend jaunts. Whether a road trip lasts a few weeks or a few days, certain items should be packed along for the ride to ensure safety and convenience. 1. Safety items Trips necessitate planning for the unexpected. When it comes to driving, that means certain maintenance tools and equipment. Some items to keep in a car include: • jumper cables • spare tire/car jack • antifreeze • motor oil • windshield washer fluid • flashlight and batteries • emergency blanket • nonperishable food/water • spill-proof gas can • flares or traffic cones •