Survey says only 24% of drivers have winter emergency kits

RICHMOND, Va. (WITI) – With ice and snow storms encompassing much of the United States, many drivers and their vehicles have been left stranded on the roads. According to an online survey conducted for CarMax, only 24 percent of those surveyed said that they have a winter emergency kit in their car.

Residents of the Northeast, who often experience the worst winter weather, are surprisingly unprepared, with only 35 percent reporting that they drive with a winter emergency kit.

CarMax, Inc., the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, strongly recommends that drivers prepare a winter emergency kit for their vehicle.

A winter emergency kit is a quick and easy way to help keep travelers safe during inclement weather.

“As drivers venture onto the roads during the winter months, an emergency kit in your car is an easy way to help protect you and your loved ones,” said Matt Sharp, a location general manager for CarMax in St. Louis, Mo. “Most of the suggested items you can find around the house, it’s just a matter of collecting them and putting them in your vehicle.”

A winter emergency kit should include:

More than half of those surveyed reported having jumper cables, a flashlight, or an ice scraper in their vehicle and 40 percent indicated having a First Aid Kit. One in 10 car owners stated they have none of the essential supplies for a winter emergency kit.

With millions of Americans preparing to travel for the holidays, now is the time to make sure your vehicle is running properly by having it inspected and serviced.

The survey was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of CarMax. The national, sample consisted of more than 1,000 U.S. adults who were surveyed online during November 21-25, 2013.