Fall is here, the cold is coming and so are the holidays. If a road trip to visit friends and family is in your future, here are a few tips from The Insurance Pad’s expert protection coaches to make sure we all make it through 2020 to ring in the new year together in 2021 – whether you need to stock your vehicles with a fresh safety kit or update your car insurance policy.

Fact: According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter.

Don’t become a statistic, practice safe driving etiquette.

9 WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS FROM THE CAR INSURANCE EXPERTS IN BEACHWOOD, OHIO

1. Keep an emergency, cold-weather kit in the trunk. Include extra water and non-perishable food, extra blankets and clothes, hand warmers, a flashlight, snow scrapers, a shovel, medications and perhaps a book.

2. Check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated and have a good amount of tread.

3. Keep a minimum of a half-tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.

4. Know your brakes. Always keep the heel of your foot on the floor and let the ball of your foot apply firm, steady, pressure on the brake pedal.

5. Don’t stop if you can help it. It’s much easier to keep things rolling if you’re not starting from a full stop. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, try that.

6. Give your vehicle the once over before the snow flies. Take it to your trusted auto repair facility to make sure everything is in working order.

7. Check the weather and postpone or cancel travel if you’re nervous.

8. Stay connected before hitting the road. Let friends and family know about your travel plans, your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.

9. Review your car insurance policy to make sure your policy will keep you safe and accurately reflects your needs.

HERE’S WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY END TO 2020. IT CAN’T COME SOON ENOUGH.

If you have any questions about reviewing your policy, reach out anytime. Our protection coaches are standing by to help protect your assets and your lifestyle. Reach out to me, Kim Rankin, Kristy Baker or Sam Johira directly. Thanks!