Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Please stay safe while driving

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I realized that driving is actually an “overlearne­d” experience with most people, but I’ve recently noticed some things that are just plain dangerous to the driver and others on the road. While driving on the highway, I noticed a man had an open book in one hand and the steering wheel in the other. He was driving while reading a book.

Also, people seem to forget that they have turn signals because so many don’t bother to use them. An accident happened right in front of me when a man slammed into the back of an SUV because the driver in front of him didn’t signal that he was slowing down to turn.

Two weeks ago, another driver was fighting with his wife, ran a stop sign and was struck by another driver on the passenger side of the car. Both were rushed to the hospital in serious condition.

One of my personal irritation­s is when someone turns around to talk to someone in the backseat while they’re driving. My husband is guilty of that, and because of it, we narrowly avoided an accident

DEAR HELOISE >> this past Christmas.

Don’t even get me started on drunk driving! There’s no excuse for getting behind the wheel of a car while drunk.

At least half of all driving-related accidents could have been avoided if people just paid attention to the road, followed the speed limit and stayed sober while driving. You can always read that book, have a drink, return the phone call or check your messages at home rather than when you’re driving. Stay alert and stay alive.

— Carolynn M., Virginia Beach, Virginia

From time to time, I get a number of questions about cellphones. Here is some informatio­n that might help answer some of the questions I’ve received:

■ “Why should I buy a newer model?” The newer models of cellphones have a much more powerful processor and GPS, which makes them faster and more responsive. Most have longer-lasting batteries as well. Usually, the screens have sharper images, which makes the

DEAR READERS >> text easier to read.

■ Cellphones are not hygienic. People tend to carry their cellphones everywhere and set them down in restrooms, on commercial counters in stores, and on tables in restaurant­s. Bacteria from your hands can transmit germs to your phone as well. It’s wise to occasional­ly wipe down your phone with a disinfecti­ng wipe.

■ Some people are worried that the low levels of radiofrequ­ency radiation emitted from a cellphone is unhealthy. Some believe this radiation causes headaches or brain tumors, but the jury is still out on this one.

Heloise@heloise.com

Here’s a braintease­r for you. Who invented the light bulb? Was it:

While Edison filed for the first patent of the electric light bulb on Oct. 14, 1878, he used the scientific research and studies of Volta, Davey and Swan to assist him in producing the light bulb. There was no commercial applicatio­n for the light bulb until Edison made that possible.

DEAR READERS >>

Heloise@heloise.com.

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