Considering that in 2016, drivers are spending more time in their vehicles ever before, whether traveling, commuting to work, or simply eating during their lunch breaks, a gift for the car might be a good choice for that special someone you are shopping for. Forget the knit scarf or fruit cake, and give your loved one something they really want or need and that will be with them nearly every day of the year. Continue reading to discover some great holiday gift ideas for daily drivers.
Wi-Fi Dash Cam
Dash-mounted cameras have grown in popularity and become much more mainstream in recent months. While the jury is still out on all of the legal benefits these cameras may offer, it is possible that a dash cam could help a driver prove innocence in an accident, fight an unlawful ticket or even fight insurance fraud. If you gift it to your teenage driver, it may even help you keep an eye on their behind-the-wheel habits when you’re not around.
Currently, this technology does not provide U.S. drivers any insurance discounts, but that could change soon once dash cams prove to help save insurers money on claims. Drivers in the U.K. are already finding more affordable car insurance with dash cam discounts, so the U.S. may not be far behind. Not to mention, unexpected footage captured from a dash cam could just make your friend or family member Internet-famous one day.
Advanced Navigation System
Navigation systems were once a hot-ticket item during the holiday shopping season, but have become less popular since free navigation assistance has become more readily available on handheld devices. However, a mounted navigation system can get the phone out of the hands of a driver and help keep their attention on the road. Distracted driving is responsible for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. This is one gift that could save a life. Furthermore, today’s most advanced GPS systems offer a lifetime of free map updates, as well as warnings about sharp turns, speed zones, and even traffic light cameras.
Phone Mount and Bluetooth Kit
While these are actually two separate gifts, together they can offer powerful benefits. Drivers in Wisconsin cannot legally text while driving under any circumstance. Talking on a hand-held device is okay, but can still be a form of distracted driving that could increase the risk of an accident. A phone mount creates a stationary place in the car, preventing drivers from reaching for them while driving. Bluetooth kits plug into an auxiliary sound system port and broadcast calls and music from a phone through the sound system in the car.
Anti-Theft Devices
Auto theft is a major problem in the U.S., and it only takes seconds to become a victim. Factory-installed car alarms are a great starting point for deterring thieves, but thousands of alarm-enabled vehicles are still stolen every year. Why not offer a loved one extra layers of security with a gift that could help slow down a would-be thief? Steering wheel locks, GPS tracking systems, and gearshift locks are all affordable options that might make a crook thing twice about trying to steal a car.