Nearly everyone we know has a cell phone. How did we ever survive!

Cell phones have become an important part of our everyday lives. However, cell phone use while driving can distract the driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other traffic safety organizations are conducting studies to determine just how dangerous cell phone use and other activities are to the public. In the meantime, take an extra precaution by simply pulling over to a safe spot before using your cell phone or engaging in other potentially distracting activities. For more traffic safety information and resources, please visit the  National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA).

Safe Driving Tips

Make this winter a safe commute. Keep your vehicle in good working order and be prepared. Slow down and give yourself extra time to make it to where ever it is you're going! Here are just a few winter driving tips that can help.

• Antifreeze protection to 26 degrees below zero.

• Repair cracked or frayed hoses.

• Obtain an enginee tune-up prior to long-distance travel.

• Verify that heater and defroster are in good working order.

• Check to make sure your battery is charged.

• Make sure snow tires have good tread.

• Carry your cell-phone if you have one.

• Obey posted speed limits and slow down if the road conditions are poor.

• Beware of road icing when temperatures start to drop.

• Slow down if your car feels like it is floating or slipping. Also beware concrete bridge approaches tend to ice up sooner than general roadways.

• Changes in elevation drastically alter road conditions as the weather becomes colder in higher elevations.

• Visibility is dramatically affected during a snow storm. Be on the look-out for snow plows during these periods. Drifting snow can impair your ability to see ice on the roads.

• Make sure to carry extra clothing, food and water in case you have trouble with your vehicle or you are delayed due to road closures and/or emergencies.

• In situations where tire chains may be needed, do not hesitate to put the tire chains on your vehicle . If you must stop to chain up, pull off to the right side of the road in the widest most visible area possible.