Are you prepared for winter driving? Ten essential winter driving kit items

With snow in the forecast and with the holidays right around the corner, many Washingtonians will be crossing the mountain passes. AAA encourages everyone to put together a winter driving kit for their car. AAA recommends making sure drivers pack these 10 essential items in their winter driving kit in case they encounter snow and ice:

December 18, 2012 7:30 pm

With snow in the forecast and with the holidays right around the corner, many Washingtonians will be crossing the mountain passes. AAA encourages everyone to put together a winter driving kit for their car. AAA recommends making sure drivers pack these 10 essential items in their winter driving kit in case they encounter snow and ice:

• Cell phone and charger for making emergency calls

• Warning devices (flares, triangles or other visual alerts)

• First aid kit

• Flashlight with new batteries

• Non-perishable food and water

• Blankets and warm clothing including hat and gloves

• Jumper cables

• Abrasive material (sand or cat litter) or traction mats and a small shovel

• Ice/snow scraper for clearing car and windows

• Tire chains

AAA also recommends that drivers make sure their vehicles are ready for the challenge by checking their fluid levels, tire tread depth and electrical system.