When it comes to personal safety on the roadway, you can never be too careful. Unfortunately, a lot of “emergency kit” recommendations call for more items that today’s smaller cars can possibly hold and still leave room for groceries. If it is necessary to pare down the list for everyday driving, there are five main things that need to stay for safety’s sake.

To be prepared for most emergencies that might come your way without taking up all the space in your trunk, keep these items on hand:

• A spare tire – If space is really at a premium, a “doughnut” or reduced size spare often included by the manufacturer will work just fine. Remember these are only good for about 50 miles or so though. Even small cars have spots in place to hold doughnuts for easier stowing.

• A jack – There is no point having a spare if you can’t get it on the car when you need it the most. Having a good sized jack and tire-changing tools is a good idea. Be careful of compact jacks that might not properly support the weight of your car.

• Jumper cables – A dead battery can be a real pain in the neck. These little items will help solve the problem and do not take up much room.

• First aid kit – Having a basic first aid kit to stow in the trunk is also wise. Keep it stocked with items like bandages, disinfectant and sting ointment.

• Cell phone – Even if you don’t use it for anything other than emergencies, a basic cell phone is a lifeline in times of roadside crisis.

Keeping up with all the things recommended for everyday road travel safety isn’t easy. When it’s time to pare down the list, five basic items can help you cover your bases.