According to CarMax Survey, Three-Quarters of American Drivers are
Unprepared for
Winter Weather
RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2013--
With ice and snow storms encompassing much of the United States, many
drivers and their vehicles have been left stranded on the roads.
According to an online survey conducted for CarMax,
only 24 percent of those surveyed said that they have a winter emergency
kit in their car. Residents of the Northeast, who often experience the
worst winter weather, are surprisingly unprepared, with only 35 percent
reporting that they drive with a winter emergency kit.
CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars,
strongly recommends that drivers prepare a winter emergency kit for
their vehicle. A winter emergency kit is a quick and easy way to help
keep travelers safe during inclement weather.
“As drivers venture onto the roads during the winter months, an
emergency kit in your car is an easy way to help protect you and your
loved ones,” said
Matt Sharp
, a location general manager for CarMax in
St. Louis, Mo. “Most of the suggested items you can find around the
house, it’s just a matter of collecting them and putting them in your
vehicle.”
A winter emergency kit should include:
1. Flashlight
2. Jumper cables
3. First-aid kit
4. Flares
or hazard triangles
5. Warm clothes, gloves and a blanket
6.
Ice scraper
7. Snow shovel
8. Kitty litter—for traction on
slick roadways
9. Extra washer fluid
10. Food and bottled water
11.
Cell phone car charger
More than half of those surveyed reported having jumper cables, a
flashlight, or an ice scraper in their vehicle and 40 percent indicated
having a First Aid Kit. One in 10 car owners stated they have none of
the essential supplies for a winter emergency kit.
With millions of Americans preparing to travel for the holidays, now is
the time to make sure your vehicle is running properly by having it
inspected and serviced.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of CarMax.
The national sample consisted of more than 1,000 U.S. adults who were
surveyed online during November 21-25, 2013.
About CarMax
CarMax, a member of the FORTUNE 500 and the S&P 500, and one of the
FORTUNE 2013 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” is the nation’s largest
retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently
operates 127 used car superstores in 63 markets. The consumer offer
features low, no haggle prices, a broad selection of CarMax Quality
Certified used cars, and superior customer service. During the twelve
months ended February 28, 2013, the company retailed 447,728 used cars
and sold 324,779 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more
information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.
Source: CarMax, Inc.
CarMax, Inc.
CarMax Media Contacts
Casey
Werderman (804) 747-0422, ext. 4773
Twitter: @CarMax,
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarMax