In these cash-strapped economic times, many people are discovering the link between maintaining a high credit score and keeping auto insurance payments down. Credit scores are often one of the top factors taken into consideration by insurance companies when calculating a person’s risk and premium.

Past accidents and tickets also count but credit scores often play a higher role in determining insurance rates. According to Kiplinger.com, “insurers have found a strong correlation between credit scores and insurance claims. People with low scores are more likely than people with high scores to file claims. And when insurers looked more closely, they discovered that people who made late payments were the ones who tended to have more claims.”

Maintaining good credit is always a good policy for everyone — but now it also helps you save money on insurance.

• Preplan your route and be aware of changing weather conditions
• Allow ample travel time to avoid speeding
• Maintain a safe following distance because braking may be difficult
• Conduct a vehicle safety inspection before driving.
• Make sure your tires have good treading.

One of the most terrifying experiences of winter driving is skidding. If it happens at a high speed, the result could be a disastrous crash. Here are some tips on avoiding a skid:

• Slow down at the first sign that the road is slick.
• In winter conditions, slow down ahead of a curve. Then, when in the curve, slightly apply power and steer steady with no abrupt change in direction and, especially, no abrupt braking.
• Plan ahead of time for lane changes. Then, swing over in a long gradual line. Make the move with the smallest possible steering change and with a light foot on the gas.
• If you go into a skid, don’t steer against the skid and don’t hit the brakes. Instead, steer in the direction the vehicle is sliding until you feel recovery of traction, then slowly straighten the wheels and keep rolling.
• If you brake, do so gently so you do not lock the wheels and intensify the skid. You have better control in a skid if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes.
• Avoid icy patches or piles of wet leaves, which tend to be found in shady areas or on overpasses.
• In deep snow, a light foot on the gas pedal and a high gear is better than stepping too hard on the gas pedal.

• Securely tie down or weigh down supplies so that gusts of wind do not pick them up.
• Steer clear of roof edges, floor openings and like drop-offs when working on a roof so that you do not get blown off in high winds.
• When you see lightning, take shelter in an area free of metal objects.
• Sweep water out of passageways inside of buildings under construction to avoid slipping.
• Clean off and sand work surfaces covered by ice or snow to prevent falling.
• Seek shelter immediately at the onset of severe weather.
• In cold weather, wear a hat! Considering that almost 40 percent of your body heat is lost through your head, wearing a hat helps keep you warm.

• Discoloration of the skin
• Burning and/or tingling sensations
• Partial or complete numbness
• Intense pain

Frostbite darkens gradually if left untreated, and will eventually turn the skin black. If you suffer nerve and blood vessel damage, gangrene generally occurs, and amputation of the limb is typically required. To prevent frostbite, wear loose-fitting layers of clothing while specifically remembering to cover your hands, feet, nose and ears. At the first sign of pain or if your skin gets wet, seek shelter to warm up.

Though it seems like a mindless task, shoveling can put undue stress on your back if you pick up a load the wrong way. Follow these simple safety precautions to stay injury free.

• Stand with your feet planted apart and your knees slightly bent
• Lift the load with your legs and then step toward the spot where you want to deposit it
• Keep your back straight through the entire process