Driving Tips to Remember as Children Go Back to School

Happy days are here again with kids going back to school. Gone are the days of kids complaining that they are bored. Now you can send the kids out the door so you can have peace and quiet.

Although school days mean a quiet home, there’s still a lot to think about when kids go back to school. You have to consider that there’s increased traffic with more vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. You’ll also need to remember to obey school zone rules and keep an eye out for school buses on the sides of the road. There’s a lot to think about during the back-to-school season so we’ve assembled some tips to help you get through it all safely.

• What’s the speed limit? – Every municipality has different rules for school zones. Some school zones have a 30km/hr speed limit in effect on weekdays during times kids will be coming to or leaving the school. For example, a school zone will have a speed limit of 30km/hr in effect from 8:00am – 9:30am when kids arrive to school, from 11:30am – 1:30pm when kids are having lunch, and at 3:00pm – 4:00pm when kids are leaving school. Other school zones may have a 30km/hr speed limit in effect every weekday from 7:00am – 5:00pm. Make sure that you know exactly what the school zone laws are in your municipality.
• Where does the school bus stop? – It’s a good idea to take note of where school bus stops are in your neighborhood. Always be on alert if you see a school bus and take note if its stop arm is out or if its red lights are flashing. This means that children are exiting the school bus so you can’t pass it until the stop arm comes down or lights stop flashing.
• How much time do I need? – Back-to-school means an increase in vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic so always give yourself extra time to get to your destination. You may get stopped by a crossing guard who’s getting kids across the street or there could be a line-up of parent’s cars waiting to drop-off or pick-up their kids that could slow down your commute.
• Is it time for my seasonal vehicle maintenance? – If you’ve driven numerous kilometers this summer, then you may be in need of an oil change or a tire rotation. Bring your vehicle to your local Tirecraft if you’ve driven more than 5,000km since your last oil change or 10,000km since your last tire rotation. Our tire and automotive experts will check your oil to make sure it is topped up and clear, and we will check your tires to make sure that they are properly inflated and wearing normally. If we notice that your oil is low or dirty, we will check for leaks and get you an oil change. If your tires are wearing abnormally, we will rotate your tires and check your wheel alignment.

The tire and automotive experts at Tirecraft are here to help make sure that you get the kids safely to and from school everyday. We want to help keep your vehicle in the best shape possible so it will last throughout your kids’ school years.

Tirecraft – Real People Servicing Real Life.

 

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