When I lived in a cold climate I’d never drive anywhere during the winter months — even in a mostly suburban environment — without my winter camping gear in my vehicle.
He admitted he was young and foolish when he made that decision (drove while in college to a job interview in Feb in upstate NY with no coat).
I’ve been in too many broken down VW situations growing up—on the side of the road, no cell phones in those days—to risk that! I’ve taught my kids that too—even in CA, bring a coat when going out in a car because cars can and do break down.