Pack a sub-zero survival kit, warns Kwik-Fit

With the Met Office confirming the worst snowfall in parts of the UK for 18 years, Kwik-Fit is advising motorists who have to use the roads to pack a ‘sub-zero survival kit’, in case they are stranded or face lengthy delays.

The warning comes in light of research from the automotive retailer, which found that motorists fail to carry the most basic of survival items, even in the most treacherous conditions.

Indeed, even though more than one in four British motorists (7.5 million)* have been stranded by the roadside in wintry conditions, the majority of motorists fail to carry basic sub-zero survival items in their car.

Worryingly, Kwik-Fit’s research also shows that as many as 21.7 million motorists don’t carry a spare set of winter clothing to keep warm. A warning triangle is overlooked by 65%, alongside other basics such as bottled water (64%) and a warm blanket (53%). Incredibly, 4.3 million motorists (16%) fail to carry any sub-zero survival kit items in their car.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, commented: “With parts of the UK under a thick blanket of snow, motorists should consider if their journey is absolutely necessary. The ones who decide it is must ensure they have a sub-zero survival kit, should they suffer the misfortune of being held-up.”