• Using cell phones while driving is a very high risk behavior with significant impact on crashes and society. More than 50 peer-reviewed scientific studies have identified the risks associated with cell phone use while driving.

• Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash while using a cell phone. (1997 New England Journal of Medicine examination of hospital records and 2005 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study linking crashes to cell phone records).

• There is no difference in the cognitive distraction between hand-held and hands-free devices. (Simulator studies at the U. of Utah.)

• Cell phone use contributes to an estimated 6 percent of all crashes, which equates to 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries and 2,600 deaths each year. (Harvard Center of Risk Analysis).

• 80 percent of crashes are related to driver inattention. There are certain activities that may be more dangerous than talking on a cell phone. However, cell phone use occurs more frequently and for longer durations than other, riskier behaviors. Thus, the #1 source of driver inattention is cell phones. (Virginia Tech 100-car study for NHTSA)

• It is estimated that more than 100 million people use cell phones while driving. (CTIA - The Wireless Association reports 270 million cell phone subscribers. A Nationwide Insurance public opinion poll showed 81 percent of the public admit to talking on a cell phone while driving).

• The annual cost of crashes caused by cell phone use is estimated to be $43 billion (Harvard Center for Risk Analysis).

• Talking to a passenger while driving is significantly safer than talking on a cell phone. (University of Utah)

• Many businesses understand the risk and are already taking action. Among NSC members that responded to a survey, 45 percent (651 of 1453 respondents) said their companies had a cell phone policy of some kind. Of those, 22 percent said they re-engineered their processes to accommodate the policy and 85 percent said the policy did not affect productivity.

Source www.nsc.org

Cell phones are everywhere, and the facts are dizzying.
In 2009, CTIA - The Wireless Association estimated that there were more than 270 million wireless subscribers in the United States-in other words, that 87 percent of Americans had wireless devices that could be used for voice calls and/or texting. Seventeen and a half million households use wireless service exclusively. And the next figure is staggering-there were 2.23 trillion minutes of use that year and 75 billion monthly text messages over cell phones. Cell phone callers also make more than 300,000 emergency 9-1-1 calls per day.

Ninety percent of Americans between 18 and 29 reported owning a cell phone as of December 2007, "with 32 percent of these young adults indicating they ‘couldn't live without' their mobile device," according to a Pew Internet and American Life Survey. One can safely assume that the number of college students carrying cell phones is higher, because of their young age, and the fact that cell phone usage has increased since the reporting period.

Recent studies have helped fill in the picture of cell phone use on campus.  A February/March 2005 survey by researchers at Virginia Polytechnic and State University found that four out of five parents pay their children's wireless bill because they want their children to have the safety afforded by having a cell phone. Overall, students called their immediate family members, boyfriends or girlfriends, and friends and relatives in fairly even numbers.

A December 2007 study by three researchers looking at wireless usage among students at Ohio State University, shows that college students are changing their behavior because they carry and use cell phones. While carrying cell phones presents definite benefits, practice common sense wherever you are.

The researchers found that:

• Students feel safer when they carry a cell phone.
• Students, especially females, go places they ordinarily wouldn't go when they have a cell phone with them.
• Females engage in more risk-taking behavior when they carry a cell phone.
• Students with cell phones are more likely than those without cell phones to alert law enforcement to trouble.

The researchers cross-checked their findings with samples of students at other universities and the results were the same. So provide students with these safety tips:

• Don't give in to a false sense of security just because you have a cell phone.
• Take a friend with you when you go out, especially at night.
• Always tell someone where you're going and when you expect to come back.
• Stick to well-lighted locations.
• Don't go anywhere with someone you've just met.

• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

• Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

• Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:

• a shovel
• windshield scraper and small broom
• flashlight
• battery powered radio
• extra batteries
• water
• snack food
• matches
• extra hats, socks and mittens
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• blanket(s)
• tow chain or rope
• road salt and sand
• booster cables
• emergency flares
• fluorescent distress flag

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

• Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful.
• If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission.
• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically; so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.
• Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.
• Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.
• Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or onehalf of a large one.
• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and "sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
• Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens, wool socks and waterproof boots.

Source: National Safety Council