With the UK in the midst of an arctic blast, research has revealed that more than one in four British motorists - some 7.5 million in total - have suffered the misfortune of breaking down during the winter months.
In addition, many more run the risk of being stranded on roads for long periods of time by bad weather, sometimes even overnight.
Despite this, over 4.3 million motorists (16%) fail to carry any sort of emergency supplies and equipment in their car to help them deal with a winter breakdown or a lengthy period of being stuck in their vehicle.
79% of motorists fail to carry an extra set of winter clothes in the car over the winter months. A warning triangle is overlooked by 65%, basic personal supplies such as bottled water by 64% and a warm blanket by 53%. That all-important ‘could not be without’ mobile phone is there, but 60% do not carry the charger. That’s no good, what if you are meeting someone or picking up the children? How would you let them know you were stranded?
The trouble is, in the UK, we have the mentality, ‘it won’t happen to me’. But I am afraid to say, with the global warming, the likely hood of more motorists getting stuck in severe weather is and will continue to increase.
So keep a box in the boot with essential items - just in case.
Jackie Violet