Winter driving can be hazardous! The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office advises motorists to make sure their vehicles are equipped with a well-stocked winter driving kit. A winter driving kit should include the following items:

• Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
• Tow Straps
• Traction mats
• Snow shovel
• Snow brush
• Ice scraper
• Booster cables
• Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
• Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
• Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
• Roll of paper towels
• Flashlight and a portable flashing light (and extra batteries)
• Blanket
• Extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm footwear
• First aid kit
• Snack bars or other "emergency" food and water
• Matches and emergency candles. Only use these with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide.
• Road maps
• "Call Police" or other help signs or brightly colored banners.