Blog

School Buses Back to School

School bus with its stop sign our and letting kids cross in front of it.

We want to make sure every kid that rides a bus makes it to and from school safely. School Buses will be back on the road so here is what you need to if you ever come across one.

"the school bus routine" by woodleywonderworks is licensed under CC BY 2.0

School Buses on a 2 Lane Highway

If you approach School Buses with the flashing stop sign out must stop! This is true for 90% of the situations that the average driver encounters. It does not matter if the vehicle is passing in the other lane or approaching the bus from behind. If the stop light is out that means there are children boarding or departing so they will be walking near the front of the bus.

2-Lane Highway with a Center Turn Lane

If the two lane highway has a center turn lane every vehicle approaching must stop. There is still a risk that the child needs to get across that road, or make mistakenly walk the wrong way off the bus. So make sure you stop whether approaching from behind or passing by it in the other lane.

4-Lane Highway

When it comes to 4 lane highways, it is different. The 4-lane highway with or without a center lane applies the same rules. If approaching the bus from the rear, you have to stop. If you are heading in the opposite direction of the bus in a 4-Lane highway you are able to continue your travel. School bus drivers have rules for letting the kids of the bus on 4-Lane highways so if you're coming up to the bus from the front you are able to continue travel.

More Information and Details

If there is more desire to learn more about these situations, visit the Iowa DOT page. The website has a visual that will help better understand what to do in these situations. They also have a lot of interesting facts and details on how school buses are advancing in safety. If you wish to learn more check out the Safety Technology Page!

Recommended Posts

All new 2023 Dodge Hornet

All New 2023 Dodge Hornet

Dodge is releasing a brand new model to its lineup of American made vehicles. The Dodge Hornet is a hybrid vehicle that will be starting production in October of 2022 for GT and GT Plus models. There will also be a R/T and R/T Plus production starting in the Spring of 2023. If you want to get your hands on one of these new vehicles contact us at 641-648-4691! The All-New Dodge Hornet coming out in 2023 New Colors for the Dodge Hornet The Dodge Hornet has a multi colored options for the exterior color of the vehicle. These color are Hot Tamale (Red), Q Ball (White), Blue Bayou (Blue), Gray Cray (Gray), Blue Steele (Darker Blue), 8 Ball (Black), Acapulco Gold (Orange/Yellow/Gold). Engine Specs The Dodge Hornet is a hybrid vehicle and comes in the trim packages of GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus. The motor has 265+hp for the GT version and 285+hp from the R/T version. 175hp coming from a 1.3 T4 Engine and 121 hp from an P4 Rear Electric Induction motor. Both of those numbers come from the peak power of the engines. Price This is Dodge's version of the best SUV offered under $30,000. The base model starts in at $29,995 for the Base GT Model and can get up to $44,995 for the R/T Plus trim. There are many different options with different packages to select to improve your driving experience. Packages The packages that come on this vehicle are the Blacktop Package, Track Package, Plus CPOS, and the Tech Package. The standard equipment in the vehicle is AWD, 12.3-inch Digital Cluster, 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 Radio, Koni Suspension, Dual Zone HVAC, and ADAS(Advanced Driver Assist System). More Info on the Dodge Hornet Please give us a call or visit our website for more information on the Dodge Hornet! Our phone number is 641-648-4691. Email us with any questions or visit our website. We also respond on social media through our Facebook page if you wish to connect in that channel.

Optima battery installed in an engine of a vehicle with all of the cables and wires attached to it.

Best Car Batteries for 2023

Looking for the best car batteries for 2023? Look no further than Dale Howard Auto Center, where we have the best batteries available for you. We don't have what you want? We will order it for you! Car Battery Facts Some factors that determine the quality of a car battery include: Battery lifespan: This is the length of time the battery will last before it needs to be replaced. Cold-cranking amps (CCA): This measures the battery's ability to start your car in cold weather conditions. The higher the CCA, the better. Reserve capacity (RC): This measures the battery's ability to run your car's electrical components when the engine is not running. Brand reputation: Choose a battery from a reputable brand with a track record of quality products and good customer support. Maintenance requirements: Some batteries require regular maintenance, while others are maintenance-free. Best Car Batteries Based on these factors, some of the best car batteries in 2023 might include: Optima Batteries RedTop: This battery has a long lifespan, high CCA, and is maintenance-free. It is a popular choice for high-performance cars. 2. ACDelco Professional AGM: This battery has a high RC and is maintenance-free. It is a good choice for vehicles with a lot of electrical components. 3. DieHard Platinum AGM: This battery has a long lifespan, high CCA, and is maintenance-free. It is a good choice for extreme weather conditions. Remember, it is always best to consult with a professional mechanic or do your research before purchasing a car battery to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle and meets your specific needs. Price of Car Batteries The price of a new car battery can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of battery, its brand, and the make and model of the vehicle. On average, a new car battery can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more. However, there are some premium options that may cost even more. Additionally, installation fees, which can add to the overall cost. It's always a good idea to do some research, compare prices and check with our professional Parts Department to find the best battery for your vehicle that fits your budget. Contact us Do you need an experts help? Call our Parts Department at 641-648-4694 or visit our website for more information on the best battery for your vehicle. We have a trained and knowledgeable staff that will allow the process of choosing the perfect battery for your vehicle, effective and efficient!

electric vehicle being charged

Electric Vehicles Increasing?

One topic that is currently trending in the automotive industry is electric vehicles (EVs). As the world becomes more focused on reducing carbon emissions and combatting climate change, EVs have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key trends and developments in the EV market, including the growth in demand for EVs, advances in EV technology, and the challenges that still need to be addressed. Demand for Electric Vehicles One of the most notable trends in the EV market is the rapid growth in demand for these vehicles. Sales of EVs have soared, and this trend is expected to continue as more people become aware of the environmental benefits of driving an EV. According to a recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales reached a record high in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report predicts that the number of EVs on the world's roads will increase from 11 million in 2020 to 145 million by 2030. Advances in Electric Vehicles Technology Another trend in the EV market is the rapid pace of technological advancement. As automakers invest more in EV technology, we are seeing major improvements in areas like battery range, charging speed, and overall performance. For example, the Tesla Model S Plaid is now the fastest production car in the world, with a top speed of 200 mph and a zero-to-60 mph time of less than two seconds. And the new Ford F-150 Lightning, an all-electric version of America's best-selling truck, promises a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge. Challenges Facing the EV Market Despite the many benefits of EVs, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to accelerate the transition to a fully electric transportation system. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas and low-income neighborhoods. Another challenge is the high cost of EVs, which can make them less accessible to many consumers. However, as more automakers enter the EV market and competition increases, we can expect to see prices come down over time. Conclusion Overall, the trend toward electric vehicles is a positive one, as it offers a sustainable alternative to gas-powered vehicles and helps to reduce carbon emissions. As demand for EVs continues to grow and technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the EV market in the coming years. However, addressing the challenges facing the EV market will be crucial to ensuring a smooth transition to a more sustainable transportation system.