• Weather Related Delays or Closings
• Tips on Surviving the Commute to KU
• Transportation Options and Alternatives
• Basic Car Care
• Dealing with Vehicle Breakdowns
• Trunk Checklist
• Glove Compartment Checklist
• Routine Car Maintenance
• Driving In Inclement Weather
• Service and Repair Contacts

• http://www.kutztown.edu/weather:  Provides updated information on the University’s operating schedule, cancelled classes, weather delays, and/or school closings.
  
• Severe Weather Hotline - 610-683-4649:  The hotline is a recorded message with the latest information on the University’s operating scheduled, weather delays, and/or closings. 
  
• Local News:  Area news outlets also carry announcements on school closings and delays. 
  
• Cancelled Classes:  What if there is severe weather and the University does not close?  When this happens contact your professors or their departments to find out if they will be coming to campus.  A professor may choose cancel class even if the University remains open.  Check http://www.kutztown.edu/weather/cancelled.shtml to see if your class is cancelled AND check with your professor.  Always remember that your personal safety is the first thing that counts – don’t risk a trip if you feel unsafe.

Tips on Surviving the Commute to KU:

• Leave early:  You never know what the road ahead will set before you - bad weather, traffic jams, or no available parking spots. Arriving early on campus allow commuters time to relax, prepare for class or check e-mail.
   
• Have an alternate route(s):  Use this route in case of road closings or heavy traffic
   
• Keep emergency supplies on hand:  Jumper cables, a jack, a spare tire, first aid supplies, flashlight, cell phone, etc.
   
• Get frequent tune-ups.
   
• Investigate alternative ways of transportation:  Look into carpools, buses, or cabs to save on gas, maintenance costs as well as prolong your vehicle's life.
   
• Call your professors and/or on-campus jobs:  Call if you are going to be late for class or work because of car problems or weather.
   
• If you have vehicle problems on campus:  Call Public Safety at 610-683-4002.
   
• Drive Safe & Buckle Up!

• See Page 19

Cab Services

• Reading Metro Taxi Cab, Inc., Reading, PA                610-374-5111
• Lehigh Valley Taxi, Bethlehem, PA                               610-867-6000
• Quick Service Taxi Company, Inc., Allentown, PA      610-434-8132
• Grab-A-Cab, Berks County                                         1-800-586-7339

• Carl R. Bieber Tourways
  320 Fair Street
  Kutztown, PA 19530
  Bus Information: 610-683-7333
  http://www.biebertourways.com
  tourways@biebertourways.com
  
  
  • Daily runs to Philadelphia and New York with stops in between
  • Bus stop on Main Street in front of Old Main Hall
  • Tickets can be purchased at McFarland Student Union Information Center or at the Bieber Terminal in Kutztown
    
• BARTA - Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority
  1700 North 11th Street
  Reading, PA 19604
  Bus Information: 610-921-0601
  Special Services: 610-921-2361
  http://www.bartabus.com
  barta@bartabus.com
  

• After pulling off the road and stopping in a safe place, put the car in park and apply the parking brake. If your car has a standard transmission, place the gearshift in reverse or first gear. Park on level ground if possible.
• Retrieve the spare tire, jack and lug wrench. Remove any hubcap with the lug wrench.
• Before lifting the car with the jack, first loosen each lug nut one turn counterclockwise while the car is still on the ground.
• Place the jack under the reinforced section of the car's body. The location of this section is listed in your owner's manual. Jack up the car until the flat tire is several inches off the ground. WARNING: Never place your hands or feet under the vehicle or tire once it has been raised.
• Remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
• Place the spare tire on the axle and align the holes. Replace the lug nuts and tighten each lightly.
• Lower the car, and remove the jack. Then use the wrench to firmly tighten each.
• Have the flat tire repaired or replaced and reinstalled right away.

• Fire extinguisher (non-expired and securely stored with the correct charge)
• Flares or reflective devices (flares burn very hot; use only if you know how to safely light and place them)
• Jack and lug wrench (practice using at home following your owner's manual)
• Spare tire properly inflated (check often)
• Non-perishable, easy to open food items
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Bottled drinking water
• Jumper cables
• Blankets
• Empty, approved gas container
• Shovel & tools

• "Call Police" sign (often found on the back of store-bought sunshades)
• Bright handkerchief or cloth
• Telephone numbers of people to call in an emergency
• Pen or marker and message pad
• Flashlight and extra batteries (check batteries often to be sure they work)
• Automobile registration
• Insurance documents
• Copy of health insurance card
• Umbrella, poncho or raincoat

• Check oil level once a week; change the oil every 3,000 miles
• Check for oil leaks
• Check tires for cuts, nails, stones and proper inflation
• Help prevent uneven tire wear; rotate tires every 5,000 to 6,000 miles; Research shows 90% of tire problems occur in the last 10% of a tire's life
• Make sure the battery and its terminals are clean and corrosion-free
• Check the air filter; replace if it's dirty
• Check fluid levels for brakes, steering, windshield washer, radiator coolant and automatic transmission
• Make sure the exhaust system has no visible leaks or cracks and the tail pipe is not obstructed
• Carry only securely stored, non-flammable liquids in the trunk - never gasoline

• Reduce your speed
• Turn on low-beam headlights and wipers
• Stay in the middle lanes; water tends to pool in outside lanes
• Do not drive through standing water, especially if you do not know how deep it is
• Avoid swerving and abrupt braking
• Check your mirrors more frequently and set them to minimize blind spots; rain on your outside mirrors and rear window can distort your view

• Take all fog-related warning signs seriously
• Slow down! Fog makes it very difficult to judge speed. Do not believe your eyes - glance at your speedometer to make sure you have slowed down
• Turn on wipers, defroster and low-beam headlights; using high beams can actually decrease your visibility.
• Moisture from fog can make roads slick, so brake smoothly
• Crack your window and turn off the radio; watch for slower moving cars and listen for engine sounds or car horns
• If the fog is too dense to continue, pull completely off the road and try to position your vehicle in a protected area from other traffic; turn on your emergency flashers
• Consider installing "fog lights" if you often drive in fog

• (Automatic transmission) Put your car in "D2" and accelerate gently; shift to "D" once you're moving
• Slow down considerably before entering a curve or making a turn; take your foot off the gas and let the engine slow you down then brake - gently; don't be overly confident with a four-wheel-drive vehicle - it won't stop any faster
• With ABS brakes, press the pedal firmly and hold it;
• If your car is not equipped with anti-lock brakes: - when the car wheels lock do not slam on the brakes, ease off the brake pedal then gently re-apply pressure to avoid sliding as you stop

• Check the battery, belts and hoses
• Check the oil level often
• Have your air-conditioning system checked and serviced by a qualified technician
• Inspect your coolant and water level to be sure it is at the proper 50/50 level when the car is cool
• Before trips check fluid levels, belts, hoses and clamps; refill or replace if necessary
• Check wiper blades

• Turn on headlights to see and be seen
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a car even for a short time; the temperature inside a closed vehicle - even with windows down - can reach dangerous levels very quickly
• Leave plenty of extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you
• Cover metal and plastic parts on child seats and safety belts to prevent burns

Local Car Dealerships/Service Centers:

Gas Stations:

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