Nearly Two-Thirds Of Americans Lack Vehicle Winter Emergency Kit, According To CarMax Survey

The holiday travel season is here and a majority of Americans are not fully prepared for winter weather. According to an online survey conducted for CarMax, 65 percent of respondents do not have a winter emergency kit in their car.

CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used vehicles, recommends all drivers prepare a winter emergency kit for their vehicle. Creating a kit is a quick and easy way to keep your family safe during inclement weather while traveling.

“If you have to travel in winter weather, an emergency kit can be a life-saving tool,” said Linda White, location general manager at CarMax in Midlothian, Va. “Most people already have the suggested items, it’s just a matter of collecting them and putting them in your car.”

A winter emergency kit should include:

• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• First-aid kit
• Flares or hazard triangles
• Warm clothes, gloves and a blanket
• Ice scraper
• Snow shovel
• Kitty litter—for traction on slick roadways
• Extra washer fluid
• Non-perishable food and bottled water
• Cell phone car charger

According to the survey, one in ten car owners stated they have none of the essential supplies for a winter emergency kit. More than half of those surveyed reported having jumper cables, a flashlight, or an ice scraper in their vehicle.

With millions of Americans preparing to travel for the holidays, now is the time to make sure your vehicle is running properly. Check your owner’s manual and follow recommended service schedules to avoid hassles later.

The survey was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of CarMax. The national, random sample consisted of more than 1,000 U.S. adults who were surveyed online during November 15-19, 2012.

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