I was fortunate as a young lad that my father and grandfather saw the need to teach me the fundamental skills of vehicle operation in all types of weather conditions. I had the oppurtunity to experience driving several types of vehicles on unopened stretches of state and interstate highway. Early in my career in public safety, we were required to take Emergency Vehicle Operators Course,which included two full days of practical driving training in sedans, vans, and truck ambulances. I have since taken the Heavy Vehicle EVOC which deals with apparatus with a GVWR greater than 15K, including engines, ladders, and heavy rescues. That training has served me well through the years in addition to a lot of real world experience. In central NC we don't get a great deal of snow, mostly sleet and freezing rain. I'll take snow any day over ice.
It never ceases to amaze me how unprepared drivers are, especially in winter months and when inclimate weather is forecast. It seems that most folks are oblivious to the dangers of hypothermia, or are they just that apathetic?
I don't just carry a "survival Kit", I drive one. Having said that, I'm never totally satisified with the gear I carry. Always room for improvement, I guess.