'1 in 6 drivers not prepared for a winter breakdown'

Millions of car and van insurance policyholders could be unprepared for a breakdown in the current winter conditions.

A study by vehicle repair firm Kwik-Fit has highlighted that one in six motorists have not readied themselves for a potential breakdown amid the snow and ice.

This is despite numerous weather warnings from the Met Office of adverse driving conditions and news that many councils are running low on grit.

Emergency items were found to not be carried by many Britons, with extra clothing not kept in the vehicles of 79 per cent of drivers and 95 per cent failing to take a flask of hot drink with them on journeys.

Of those questioned, 65 per cent admitted to not having a warning triangle in their vehicle, while 64 per cent did not carry a bottle of water. Almost the same number did not carry a mobile phone charger.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, commented: "When setting off on any journey make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone, but also take your own 'sub-zero pack', which should include a phone charger, ensuring that you're able to make the necessary emergency calls and let concerned friends and family know you're safe."

Among the findings was also that one in ten drivers are taking to the roads on illegal tyres, with their tread levels not meeting minimum requirements - potentially endangering their car insurance premiums.

Wheel firm Protyre recently announced it is offering free battery exams at its nationwide outlets as power sources are among the key vehicular parts to be affected by the icy weather.

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The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of the BGL Group