 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Newsletter Archive |
4
Cell Phone Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that driver distraction contributes
to 25% of all police-recorded traffic crashes, and one growing source of that distraction is the
cell phone. If you use your cell phone while driving, there are some precautions you can take.
Get to know your cell phone and its features. Carefully read your instruction manual and
learn to take advantage of valuable features most cell phones offer, including automatic redial
and memory functions. Memorize the phone keypad so you can use the speed dial without
taking your eyes off the road.
When available, use a hands-free device. A number of
hands-free cell phone accessories are readily available.
Take advantage of an installed mounted device or a speaker
phone.
Suspend conversations during hazardous driving
conditions or situations. If necessary, stop the call if it’s
raining, snowing, or if you’re driving in heavy traffic.
When your phone rings, let your voicemail answer it. As a driver, your first responsibility is to
pay attention to the road.
Don’t engage in stressful or emotional conversations. Stressful or emotional conversations
and driving do not mix – they are distracting and even dangerous when you’re behind the wheel
of a car.
It’s OK to use your cell phone when calling for help. Dial your local emergency number in
case of a fire, serious traffic accident, road hazard or medical emergency. If you see a disabled
vehicle posing no serious hazard, a broken traffic signal, a minor traffic accident where no one
appears injured, or a known stolen vehicle, call roadside assistance.
– Adapted from the Progressive website
Don’t Overcook Veggies
Remember when your parents said, “Eat your vegetables because they’re good for you”? Did
you know that how “good” depended on the way you prepared them? Boiling vegetables in
water tends to deplete much more of their nutritional value than steaming them. Even blanching
your vegetables can reduce their Vitamin C and folic acid content by up to one third.
Some vegetables actually have enhanced health benefits when you heat them, such as broccoli
and asparagus. But as a rule, if you’re going to cook your veggies, they’ll be better for you
steamed rather than boiled.
– Adapted from O, The Oprah Magazine
|