Why should school bus drivers conduct regular inspections of their tires?

Conducting regular inspections of tires is crucial for school bus drivers primarily for safety and performance reasons. Proper tire maintenance ensures the optimal handling of the bus, which is essential for navigating sharp turns, sudden stops, and varying road conditions. Tires that are well-inspected and maintained provide better traction and stability, which helps prevent accidents and keeps both passengers and other road users safe.

While reducing fuel consumption is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance, it is not the primary reason for tire inspections. Enhanced speed on the road is also not a relevant concern for school bus drivers, as the focus is primarily on safety rather than speed. Compliance with state regulations is certainly important, as there are laws that mandate vehicle inspections, but the core reason for checking tires is fundamentally about ensuring the handling and safety of the vehicle, especially given that school buses carry vulnerable passengers, including children.