AAA provides winter driving tips. essential safety items

Whether this weather sticks around or not, your friends at AAA recommend you make sure you are prepared for winter driving by putting together a winter driving kit for your vehicle now, before severe winter weather hits.

AAA recommends making sure you pack at least these 10 essential items in your winter driving kit:

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 making sure your vehicle is ready for the challenge by checking your fluid levels, tire tread depth, and electrical system. For more information on winter driving, preparing your vehicle, and what to do if your vehicle starts skidding, pick up a “How To Go On Ice and Snow” brochure at your local AAA office or go to AAA.com and click on “Traffic Safety” to download a copy.