Driving in the snow can be treacherous. No matter how well you prepare, accidents happen. The problem is that so few people are prepared. KRC Research recently conducted an online survey on behalf of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and found that only 4% of respondents carry all of the essential emergency supplies recommended by State Farm (see below).

1,050 Canadian adults, aged 18 and older were surveyed from Oct 25^th to Nov 3^rd, 2013. Each was required to have a valid driver’s license.

The good news is that 97% of surveyed drivers do in fact carry at least one emergency supply in their vehicle. The bad news? 61% admit to carrying more junk than emergency tools. Pop open the average Canadian’s trunk and you’re more likely to find food wrappers or Frisbees than roadside flares or jumper cables.

We really can’t stress enough the importance of carrying roadside emergency equipment in your vehicle. Even a short trip can have major delays. The last thing we want is for you to be stranded in the snow, fog, or rain without the proper supplies.

So walk out to your car, take an inventory and determine which essential emergency supplies you need to stay safe out on the road:

Essential Emergency Supplies

• Spare tire
• Windshield scraper/brush
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Blanket and/or extra clothing
• Water
• Road flares

Additional (Suggested) Emergency Supplies

• Cellphone and charger
• Calorie-dense non-perishable food
• Road salt or kitty litter (to help with traction)
• Fluorescent distress sign (“Help”, “Call Police”)
• Candles/matches/lighter
• Tarp

Stay Safe with an Alpine Insurance & Financial Auto Policy!

Source – Most surveyed drivers have one type of emergency supply in their vehicle trunks, although very few have all types

Photo – © Francesco83 – Fotolia.com