According to CarMax Survey, Three-Quarters of American Drivers are Unprepared for Winter Weather

According to CarMax Survey, Three-Quarters of American Drivers are Unprepared for Winter Weather

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.

A winter emergency kit should include:

1. Flashlight
2. Jumper cables
3. First-aid kit
4. Flares or hazard triangles
5. Warm clothes, gloves and a blanket
6. Ice scraper
7. Snow shovel
8. Kitty litter—for traction on slick roadways
9. Extra washer fluid
10. Food and bottled water
11. Cell phone car charger

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.

About CarMax

CarMax, a member of the FORTUNE 500 and the S&P 500, and one of the FORTUNE 2013 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 127 used car superstores in 63 markets. The consumer offer features low, no haggle prices, a broad selection of CarMax Quality Certified used cars, and superior customer service. During the twelve months ended February 28, 2013, the company retailed 447,728 used cars and sold 324,779 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.