Fourth ring is the charm for reader trying to avoid telemarketer hassles

Dear Heloise: I let my phone ring four times, and then the answering service comes on. If it is someone wanting a donation or taking a survey, the person will hang up.

If I recognize the voice, I pick up the phone. Or if I recognize the number, I answer it.

Sure saves time and steps!—Leo D., Little Rock, Ark.

Leo, thanks for your letter! You can register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry through the Federal Trade Commission. Call 888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. A lot of annoying calls will stop after 31 days of registry.

SOCIAL DEAL Dear Heloise: Social media has made contact with companies easier and faster than ever before. I was in the market for a good used car, so I “friended” a woman whose family owns a group of dealerships in town.

She has a large presence on this social-media site, and she promotes sales and special deals that her family is offering.

Of course, I still researched the makes and models I was interested in, but I like the family aspect of knowing the dealership on a new level.—Cindy M. in Dallas PUT THE CELLPHONE DOWN! Dear Heloise: Spring is a good time to remind everyone (especially teen drivers) that texting while driving is an absolute no-no. It’s also against the law in most areas. In fact, all “distracted driving” takes your focus away from the road, the cars around you, pedestrians, stoplights, etc. Your focus needs to be on driving—nothing else.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www. nhtsa.gov), distracted driving includes, but is not limited to: texting, eating, applying makeup, fumbling with the radio, singing, using a GPS system and other activities. Do none of these while you are driving.—Mike N.

A CLOTHES CALL Dear Readers: Try not to leave clothing in the car for long periods of time. The hot temperatures in the car and sunlight beating in can fade fabrics and/or set stains.— Heloise