Father’s Day is nearly here, but there is still time to pick just the right gift for the dad who drives a truck, of any size. So, let’s keep them safe while out there on the road. Here are five gift ideas to help keep them safer, plus a few more at the end.

1. Quality EDC Light

Often, when we talk about visibility in the fleet and transportation world, we think of windshields, wipers, or environmental factors that limit a driver’s ability to see what is ahead. But visibility talk can also turn to marker lights, headlights, and other factors that can make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.

However, let’s talk about visibility as it applies to what you can see. Many times, that requires proper illumination.

Years ago, I carried a huge flashlight, but for the past decade or so, there has always been an EDC (everyday carry) flashlight in my pocket. Test me. If you see me at an event or on any work trip, ask me. I assure you, it will be in my pocket.

So, how does this apply to safety?

When you get out of your truck on the edge of the road, a handheld EDC light makes you more visible to other motorists.

It also illuminates where you step, possibly preventing trips, slips, and falls. Maybe you are changing a tire or making a repair; let’s light things up so you know what you are putting your hands on – keeping you safer that way as well.

Pick one with good lumen and candela, and ideally water- and shock-resistant. There are many great options out there now that are also USB rechargeable.

2. Boots

Yes, every dad needs a good pair of boots. Actually, multiple pairs of boots would be my preferred approach.

You may not think of footwear as a safety tool, but let me explain.

Slip-resistant boots can prevent injuries. Boots with ankle support can prevent injuries. Then, some might benefit from boots with reinforced toe boxes, which also help prevent injuries. Some boots, often heavy-duty military or law enforcement boots, even have extra padding on the outside to protect the ankles from side impact.

Again, the proper footwear for the task can keep every dad safer and prevent injury.

3. First Aid Kit/Bleed Stop Kit

There should be a first-aid kit in every vehicle, whether private or commercial. But does the kit you picked up in a store or ordered online have what it takes to handle real emergencies?

Start with that basic first-aid kit and then build from there.

Since I spend a lot of time outdoors and hikes may take my wife and me farther out and away from help, my kit also includes several items to control bleeding.

Now, I am not here to provide emergency medical advice, but I am simply sharing what I choose to carry – hemostatic Z-fold gauze, regular sterile gauze, hemostatic powder, gauze pads, an assortment of bandages, medical tape, a tourniquet, a small EDC light inside the bleed kit, a small knife, some pain meds, and a few other things.

Do your research to see which supplies are right for you, or pick a reputable trauma kit to purchase. The main word of caution I hear from first responders is not to buy a cheap tourniquet. Get a quality one, so do your research.

Again, let’s build up that first aid kit.

The Stop The Bleed Coalition reports the average time for someone to bleed out is just three to five minutes. Compare that to seven to 10 minutes, which is the average time for first responders to arrive.

Stop The Bleed training courses are free and available online or in person where available.

4. Work Gloves

Quality work gloves, like the earlier items, are also a great safety-themed gift idea.

Good gloves can protect the hands from cuts, scratches, and possibly even burns from touching a hot engine or piece of machinery. Some even have added protection for the knuckles and the backs of fingers.

Just like with my boot recommendation, there is an abundance of choices in gloves. So, pick what best suits your intended gift recipient's needs.

Work gloves are, for the most part, rather affordable. So, multiple pairs of gloves are great. They can live in different locations – one pair in a work truck, one in a personal vehicle, one with a toolbox in the garage, etc.

Make sure a good pair of gloves is always on hand (bad pun) whenever and wherever they are needed.

5. Eye Protection

Sure, when you walk into a manufacturing facility or grab a chainsaw to clear brush in your backyard, you put on eye protection. But why stop there?

I suggest you give quality safety glasses, and then duplicate so your loved one has eye protection handy whenever it is needed. Let a pair live in every vehicle the family drives, the work vehicle, and anywhere and everywhere in between.

When that roadside breakdown happens, protective eyewear is important, whether wrenching on something and rust flakes off or dirt and debris fall from under the vehicle as you make repairs.

Keep those eyes protected; prevention is cheaper than pain… and medical expenses.

Coming from someone who twice has scratched an eye while working outside, I no longer take protective eyewear for granted.

Additional Safety-Inspired Gifts

• Emergency reflective triangles
• Road flares
• Electronic emergency lights and markers
• High-visibility reflective safety vest
• Quality work area or scene lighting
• Dash cam
• Seatbelt cutter/glass break tool
• Quality water bottle for staying hydrated
• Vehicle emergency kit (prepared for hot/cold weather)