Pack a Sub-Zero Survival Kit, Warns Kwik-Fit

The Met Office reports that the snow experienced across parts of the UK yesterday was the heaviest to have fallen in 18 years. With perhaps a whole generation of motorists therefore unaccustomed to conditions of this type, Kwik-Fit has issued timely advice to motorists, telling those who must continue using the roads in times of heavy snow to pack a ‘sub-zero survival kit’, in case they are stranded or face lengthy delays.

This 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 a survey has indicated that more than a quarter of British motorists have been stranded by the roadside in wintry conditions, the majority lacked 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 per cent, alongside other basics such as bottled water (64 per cent) and a warm blanket (53 per cent). Incredibly, 4.3 million motorists (16 per cent) fail to carry any sub-zero survival kit items in their car at all.

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