How Do You Drive In A School Safety Zone?

It's that time of year- The kids are going back to school !

DID YOU KNOW........

1.5 million children are transported on Pennsylvania roads each day.

These children are transported more than 400 million miles to school each year.

Every year, children are needlessly injured or killed by drivers passing stopped school buses.

      Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Laws Are :

  When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.
  

  When you approach an inter section where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended,  you MUST STOP.

  You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.

  You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.

  DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety.    

Penalties if convicted of violating Pennsylvania´s School Bus Stopping Law include:

*$250 fine

*Five points on your driving record

*60-day license suspension

 

                           Remember .... Drive Like YOUR KIDS Live there !!  

Why Should You Maintain Your Vehicle ?

Proper Maintenance   is an important part  of vehicle ownership. When you maintain your vehicle  in the best condition, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper care and attention will help  you have a stress-free ownership experience. You can save time and money by following a regular maintenance schedule.

You should check fluid and engine oil levels at set periods, as well as your tire inflation levels. It is also important that you change your engine oil and replace filters, spark plugs and brakes based on the recommended schedule outlined in your owner's manual.

Not only will you spend less on a car repair, but your proper car care  can also lead to a more efficient vehicle. Scheduled maintenance can increase your gas mileage and lower  operating costs. It is a major benefit during times of crazy  gas prices.


While many auto owners p put off  maintenance until it is absolutely necessary, this can lead to further damage. A neglected vehicle  is more likely to stop working and require you to invest in intensive auto repair. Driving  a  well maintained vehicle can extend its useful life. Preventative maintenance is your  best choice! 

Your vehicle  deserves expert attention and the best care possible. Hiring a skilled professional for a car repair can help you avert avoidable setbacks and reduce your expenses.

Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales wants to help you get the most out of your vehicle ownership. Our locations can even help you find a reputable auto repair shop in your area.  

How Do You Drive in Rainy Conditions?

How to drive safely in  Rainy Conditions is  simple if you  remember that Storms can crop up suddenly and present substantial hazards on the road; especially during Summer. Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience.

Skids are scary but hydroplaning is  nerve-wracking. Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires. 

  Prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

  Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don't put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

 Taking  simple tips into account can save your life.

Car-Lotta Credit is concerned about our customers- We hope all of our customers drive safely in all weather conditions.   

How Do You Drive In An Active Work Zone?

Each year  Pennsylvanians and travelers through the state can anticipate seeing many work zones. While PennDOT and is  busy improving the 40,000 miles of roadway and 25,000 bridges in its care, motorists are urged  to keep safety in mind.

Active work zones must be designated as such to notify motorists when they enter and leave the work zone. A white flashing light attached to the “Active Work Zone When Flashing” sign will indicate an active work zone. The flashing light will only be activated when workers are present and turned off when workers are not present.

 The following are a few tips  to keep in mind if you encounter  work zones, 

·         Drive the posted work-zone speed limit.

·         Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers.

·         Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so.

·         Maintain a safe distance around vehicles. Don’t tailgate.

·         Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly.

·         Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road.

·         Always buckle up.

·         Expect the unexpected.

·         Be patient.

Penalty  for NOT driving safely in an active work zone  ......

Car-Lotta Credit wants to remind you that this is for your safety and the safety of the workers.  

Fifteen-Day Loss of License for Driving Dangerously. Motorists caught driving 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone and are convicted for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically will lose their license for 15 days.

Fines Doubled/Jail Time Increased. Fines for certain traffic violations – including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices – are doubled for active work zones. Also, the law provides for up to five years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone.