Things you might find in a glove compartment
The glove box
Originally, the glove box was just that – a box for gloves. Almost all early motorcars left the driver exposed to the elements, so naturally he or she needed some protection. Of course, you’ll very rarely find a pair of gloves tucked in the glove box of a car today, but you will find all manner of other things. And here are the facts and figures to prove it.
Proof of car insurance – an amazing 94% of car drivers carry their car insurance documents with them, in the event that they might be involved in an accident.
Driving licence – another high statistic now. 92% of motorists keep their driving licence in the glove box just in case the police stop them.
Napkins – bit of an unexpected one this, until you think about it. We spend more and more time eating or drinking in our cars nowadays, and if you’ve got children or grandchildren you know how messy that can be – so 71% of drivers surveyed said they carry napkins.
Maps – even with the advent of sat nav, 71% of drivers still carry a good, old dependable map.
A torch – it looks like motorists are sensible lot. 53% of people carry a torch. Ideal if you have problems at night or need to look in those hard-to-see places under the bonnet.
Sunglasses – an essential item for the modern motorist. 47% of drivers store their shades in the glove box when they’re not trying to look cool.
Proof of ownership – this isn’t one of the most sensible things to carry around with you, although 44% of car drivers do. Documents like this can easily fall into the wrong hands if your car is broken into or stolen.
First aid kits – back to being sensible again now. 38% of motorists have a small first aid kit stowed in their glove box. In fact, a first aid kit should be a must-have item in any car. The smallest amount of first aid can make a big difference in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Snacks – a family car means kids, and children get hungry, so 11% of car owners choose to carry emergency snack bars and crisps where the old leather gauntlets once lived.
Fast food sachets – food again. Amazingly, 8% of drivers keep such gastronomic delicacies as ketchup, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce in the glove box.
Perhaps we should rename that useful compartment in the dashboard the utility box? But that just wouldn’t sound right, so glove box it will stay.