North Little Rock, AR (January 17, 2013)
Winter weather is upon us, and State Farm urges everyone to think about safety needs in the case of a breakdown on the road. A new study by State Farm shows very few drivers have basic emergency items in their vehicle, thus potentially placing themselves, and possibly their family's safety in jeopardy.
According to a survey by State Farm® and KRC Research, more than 60 percent of drivers had some sort of "junk" (non-emergency supplies) in their trunk ranging from extra clothes and shoes to used food or drink containers. While 99 percent of drivers had at least one emergency supply in their vehicle, such as spare tire or jumper cables, a mere nine percent carried all the recommended emergency roadside supplies, including:
Gary Stephenson, spokesman for State Farm in Arkansas said, "Our survey findings also revealed that sedan drivers (63 percent) are less likely to carry emergency supplies compared to SUV and truck owners (75 percent and 73 percent respectively). Also, only two in five drivers said they check that the emergency supplies in their vehicle are in useable condition, at least twice a year." Stephenson said, "This is simply a case of not taking the time to think this issue through, and taking just a few minutes to make sure we have the items at hand, in case they are needed. One other, make sure you have a portable charger for your cell phone in the glove box. Communication can be critical if stranded."
Safety tips in case of breakdowns
State Farm officials also recommend that as a matter of habit, you should keep your fuel tank at least half full at all times, especially during winter, when freezing weather can be very dangerous.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/statefarm/sets/72157632480599122
Gary Stephenson
State Farm Public Affairs
Office: (501) 615-6004
Cell: (501) 350-4440
KRC Research surveyed 1,010 U.S. adults from December 6 - 9, 2012, from across the U.S. Of the respondents, 895 qualified as drivers of vehicles.
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
