It’s that time of year again, when the children head back to school. If your vehicle is equipped properly, then your kids are safer in the car and your driving is better too.  Now is the most critical time to have your vehicle prepared, because school children are back on the streets.  KEEP your kids safe inside and outside of the car.

"School's Open Safety Week" is August 23-29 and that means more and more children are being driven to school in carpools.  Whether it’s to school or to all those after schools activities that make put demands on our cars and us.  Here are some safety tips on taking precautions when driving in areas with school age children.

Pedestrian-vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. 1/4 of all children 14 years of age and younger who die in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians!  Thatmeans drivers need to step up safety around school zones, crosswalks, bus stops, and wherever children may be playing outside.

KID SAFETY

Be in the habit of becoming aware of where school zones and crosswalks are located on regular routes that you normally drive. Just a reminder - crossing guards are at many crosswalks to protect the children walking, obey their directions.

Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights, it’s your responsibility to come to acomplete and full stop for the duration that the red lights are on.  The speed limit in most school zones during school times or when children are present is 25 miles per hour.

CAR SAFETY

Keeping the kids safe and happy is also what keeps us sane. Look for kid-friendly features such as rear-seat DVD entertainment systems with wireless headphones, second and third-row sunshades, and loads of cup holders that can even fit juice boxes; keeping the kids occupied will make your day a little less stressful.

If your thinking of getting a new kid-taxi cab or you share a ride with your co-workers, consider a parent-friendly vehicles that offers features with versatile seating for infants with third-row seats that fold down and an available second row seat where the center section is adjustable so you can reach infants and toddlers. Both side doors that can be opened with a remote on the key fob for easy entry and exit. That’s great for kids with backpacks or adults with briefcases.  Great fuel economy will also help you stay on top of your budget.

Whether your driving the neighbors kids to a soccer game, on your way to work daily or just running around town – don’t forget to “Be Car Care Aware”.  That means it’s your responsibility to maintain your vehicle so your not stuck on the side of the road.  One of the safety items that is overlooked most is your brakes. Don’t wait until brakes squeak, grind or pulsate before getting a brake inspection. Think of it this way - people stop their vehicles anywhere from 30 to 50 times a day.   When grinding noises occur get then looked at immediately.  If you wait to long it could become expensive if you ignore them. Take your vehicle to an ASE-certified mechanic for your brake work, unless you are certain you know how to do-it-yourself. 

Tip: Brakes are the parachutes for your car – don’t skimp.
Tires are among the most important safety features on your vehicle.  You should know that the contact patches (that is, the surface area of the tires touching the ground) of all 4 of your vehicle’s tires combined would fit on an 8.5 x 11” sheet of paper.  Those contact patches are all that connect your vehicle to the ground.  It is imperative that your tires be properly maintained.

Tip:  Check your tire pressure once a month to get the highest fuel economy and the longest life from your tires. Tires can lose 1 psi. per month or 1 psi. for every 10 degrees F that the temperature drops.  Therefore each month (and as the temperature changes – or you drive through various climates) it is important that you check the air pressure in all four tires AND don’t forget the spare!

To maintain proper tire inflation you should always consult the owner’s manual in your vehicle or the vehicle placard, generally found either in the glove box or on the doorjamb. The inflation figure listed on the sidewall of your tires is maximum inflation only AND DOES NOT take into consideration vehicle weight and load issues.

Beyond proper inflation, there are other tire maintenance steps you should take.  Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles not only extends the life of your tires but also improves the handling and performance of your vehicle.  You should also visually inspect your tires periodically for road hazards, such as nails.  By running your hand over the tread surface you can often feel any irregularities in wear – which may indicate that an alignment or a rotation is needed. 

To determine if it’s time to purchase new tires, you can use a penny to check tire tread depth.  Insert the penny into the tread.  The top of Lincoln’s head should not be visible. If it is, your tire is worn below 2/32” –which is the industry standard indicating that a tire has too little tread and that it should be replaced.

To better understand your tires and how to maintain

them, visit www.tiresafety.com they can send you a reminder to check your tire pressures.

WEATHER CHANGES

As the weather changes and things get a little colder, don’t forget the basic maintenance of your transportation.  This includes the basic winter preparation including changing your wiper blades.  Winter wiper blades have a rubber boot which protects the metal blade frame from becoming clogged with snow and ice.

Tip:  The secret to safe winter driving is “To See and Be Seen”.
Also make sure that you have heat when you need it, the best way to guarantee that is to make sure you check your coolant in your radiator.  It’s quite simple to check, either inspect your over flow tank for proper level or check your radiator when the vehicle is completely cooled and hasn’t driven for many hours.  Take off the radiator cap and inspection the level of the coolant.  Most coolants need to be replaced every 2 years and checked every 6 months.  If you have long life coolant, check your owner’s manual before topping off the system.  The specifications section will guide you on the correct coolant.

Research shows that a large percent of people who top off, pour either straight water or straight antifreeze/coolant, which alters the protection and can cause damage to the system. You can purchase ready-to-use antifreeze/coolant formula with no need to mix, measure or add water. You simply pour it into the radiator or expansion tank. Use it before those long road trips or before the cold season settles in.  So there’s a large benefit to maintaining your vehicle. Basic maintenance is most important to getting the most out of your vehicles life and your passenger’s safety.

EMERGENCY SAFETY KIT 
Make sure to carry some important extras with you so you don’t get stranded.  Whether it’s for daily car pooling or longer trips.
Carry these items in your trunk in a box or duffel bag.

• Jumper cables
• Flashlight with new batteries
• Tire inflation product – in case you get a flat and can’t change it safely.
• First aid kit
• Flare and safety triangle
• Protein bars - in case you are stuck and waiting for help.
• Bottled water
• Snow brush with ice scraper - get the best one you can find.
• Blanket for every passenger
• Cell phone - inexpensive emergency plans are available.
• Road service card - especially good if you travel out of town.
•  Paper towels
• Glass cleaner
• Extra washer fluid
• Work Gloves and basic tools