Drivers should have an emergency kit ready for winter

January 16, 2013 12:00 AM

Dangerous winter conditions can make for treacherous driving situations, and when emergencies arise on the roads it's important to be prepared.

According to a recent survey from State Farm, more than 60 percent of drivers keep their car stocked with non-emergency supplies, like extra clothes or used drink containers, while only 9 percent have all essential emergency roadside supplies. These must-haves include jumper cables, a spare tire, first aid kit, water and a flashlight.

"Even on a relatively short trip, you can find yourself stranded for several hours," said Robert Medved, a safety expert at State Farm. "... These new findings highlight the importance of having the right emergency equipment so people can safely get back on the road faster."

Despite the small number of people who have all of the suggested tools, nearly 99 percent of drivers have at least one of the items. However, there's no telling just what will be required if a crisis comes up, so car owners should make stocking an emergency kit a part of a vehicle's scheduled maintenance to make sure they are ready for anything.

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