How much junk do you have in your trunk? If you are like most Canadian drivers (61%) you have a fair bit including such items as used food containers, clothes or children's toys.
State Farm and KRC Research found that nearly all Canadian drivers could improve what's in their trunk to better prepare for unexpected car trouble. In fact, the survey showed less than 1 in 10 drivers have all the necessary tools for a roadside emergency.
About 97% of Canadian drivers have at least one type of emergency supply including a spare tire (81%), windshield scraper and brush (75%) and jumper cables (53%). Scarce are useful items such as a flashlight (45%), first aid kit (43%), blankets or extra clothing (41%), water (22 %) or road flares (17%).
"Even on a relatively short trip, you can find yourself stranded for several hours. Whether it's because of a flat tire, an empty fuel tank or treacherous conditions like ice or fog, it's important to be prepared," said John Nepomuceno, auto safety research administrator from State Farm. "These new findings highlight the importance of having the right emergency equipment so you can safely get back on the road sooner."
Nepomuceno advises drivers to regularly check the working condition of their emergency supplies as well.