UK motorists are unprepared for arctic blasts

With the UK in the midst of an arctic blast, research from Kwik-Fit reveals 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.

As the chart below indicates, 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%.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, commented: “Most people recall arctic weather conditions that have left thousands of motorists stranded in their cars for hours. Carrying essential survival items such as warm clothes, extra food and drink can make lengthy waits in the cold weather safer and more comfortable. A little planning and forethought can make a big difference, for example, having a mobile phone charger in the car at all times will prevent motorists that need to make emergency phone calls from being caught out and enable them to keep in touch with concerned friends and family.”