“Hang up and drive.” Hey, that’s got to be my favorite bumper sticker.

The other day I was trying to make a lefthand turn off the northbound lane of Civic Center Drive onto the southbound entrance ramp of I-95. There’s a yield sign on the southbound entrance ramp for southbound drivers on Civic Center Drive to prevent them from hitting me as I’m entering the ramp.

The southbound motorist that blew by that yield sign was so into the cell phone conversation that the driver never saw me — let alone the yield sign. As usual, I was prepared to stop and once again, eliminated myself as one the day’s accident statistics.

My wife says, “Great, now you can mow the lawn.”

This cell phone-behind-the-wheel thing is really getting out of hand. The American Automobile Association calls it a part of a syndrome known as “distracted driving.” According to AAA’s Web site, distracted driving is a major contributor to automobile crashes, with 4,000 and 8,000 crashes related to distracted driving occur daily in the United States. In a year, they contribute to as many as half of the 6 million U.S. crashes reported annually. AAA has worked out a 10-point plan to help address this issue. But the best advice is to avoid distractions whenever possible.

AAA says that driver distractions are nothing new. They've been a topic of discussion since windshield wipers were introduced in cars during the early 1900s. Using a cellular phone while driving can increase your chances of being involved in a crash. But research shows other distractions — such as eating a sandwich, tending to small children, conversing with a passenger or gazing at objects outside the vehicle — occur more frequently and can be just as distracting as talking on a cell phone. Imagine the risks if you combine two or more of the above tasks.

More information on distracted driving can be found online if you click here for AAA

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

Ever get the feeling you’re on the wrong track or wandered off the trail? Well if you’re getting that feeling in Hallowell or Farmingdale, you’re right on both counts.

The Maine Department of Transportation is reminding the public that the unfinished portion of the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Hallowell and Farmingdale remains an active construction zone that is not open to public use.

“We know there have been people ignoring our warning signs about it being an active construction area and using the unfinished portions of the trail when construction crews are not around,” said says MaineDOT Project Manager Peggy Duval in a prepared statement. “That is a dangerous situation which will get even more dangerous beginning next week when we start herbicide spraying and paving operations.”

State crews are scheduled to begin paving the trail on Monday, weather permitting. But before actual paving operations begin, workers will be putting down herbicide spray to kill Japanese knotweed, an aggressive, invasive plant. If left untreated, Duval said Japanese knotweed can grow under and push its way up through the trail pavement, destroying it prematurely.

Duval says the general plan is for the spraying and paving to begin on the south end of the Farmingdale section of the trail, near the Hi-Hat Restaurant, and work north toward Hallowell.

“But even that plan is subject to revision depending on the weather and construction conditions,” she cautioned.

Vanity plate of the week

This one was on the back of a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible spotted on Western Avenue by a driver who is apparently into self-awareness: UCME-ICU.

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

We’ve got some hot days ahead. And a lot of people think there’s nothing like a cold beer on a hot day while you’re sitting in your lawn chair. And they sure go down easier when it’s hot, right?

Could be. But around here, you’re better off staying in your chair than trying to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking those beers.

Some people think their metabolisms can dissipate the effects of alcohol faster on a hot day, but I haven’t been able to find any evidence to support that theory.

I did, however, find some other alcohol myths dispelled in The Police Notebook, an online service of the University of Oklahoma Police Department. It answers questions like:

“If I have too much to drink, can I can drink a lot of coffee to sober up quickly?”

No. Only time reverses impairment.

“Will splashing cold water on my face or taking a cold shower help sober me up?”

It may make you cleaner, but it won't sober you up or make you a safe driver.

“Will eating breath mints after drinking fool a police ‘breath test’?”

Eating mints will not affect your blood alcohol level since it isn't the smell of your breath, but the alcohol content, that's measured.

“If I eat a big meal before drinking, won't that help keep me from getting drunk?”

How much you have eaten, and how recently, may have a small effect on how quickly or slowly the alcohol you consume will enter your bloodstream — but it won't stop the alcohol from entering.

More interesting alcohol-related facts can be found online at Click here for The Police Notebook

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

Eastbound motorists on Western Avenue should use extra caution this week as they approach the traffic light at the intersection of Storey Street and Western Avenue near the Senator Inn & Spa.

Eastbound traffic narrows to one lane near the light while work continues on the entrance to the Augusta Crossing shopping center. Movements of laborers and heavy machinery may result in some delays as workers and machines cross Western Avenue.

Equal care should be taken at night on Western Avenue when flaggers on duty direct traffic in the area.

In other parts of Augusta, motorists should prepare for single-lane travel near the intersection of Capitol Street and Ganneston Drive as construction crews work in that area. The lower end of Union Street to the Gage Street intersection has been closed while construction work continues there.

The construction company T. Buck has closed the entrance to Pierce Drive off Cony Street until Friday. Drivers should use the alternate entrance to Pierce Drive off Route 105. The company also asks that people not move or drive around the road cones blocking the road as there is heavy equipment in use.

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

The Maine Department of Transportation is warning nighttime drivers using portions of U.S. Route 1, I-95 or I-295 in southern Maine to use some extra care and caution for the next few weeks.

“We need to repaint the pavement markings, or traffic striping, on several divided highways in southern Maine, and, because of the traffic volumes, the safest, most efficient time for us to do it is at night,” explains Wayne Arsenault of MaineDOT’s traffic engineering section in Augusta. “We’ve scheduled the work to begin Sunday night, July 22 and plan to finish by Thursday night, August 9 if the weather cooperates. This will be the fourth year we’ve done the work at night and it seems to work out well for both the department and the public.”

Arsenault says the nighttime striping is scheduled for the divided highway portion of U.S. Route 1 in Brunswick and Bath: I-295, and its access ramps, between Brunswick and South Portland; U.S. Route 1 in Kittery; and on I-95 from the Maine-New Hampshire state line to the Maine Turnpike Authority’s toll booth in York.

“We plan to begin with the work in the Brunswick area and work our way south,” Arsenault said. “Depending on the weather, we’ll be working somewhere on those major routes on any given night, so motorists need to be alert to the possibility they’ll encounter one of our striping crews on those routes.”

Workers plan to start at 10 p.m each night, Sunday through Thursday, and finish by 7 a.m. each morning, reducing the impact of the operation on daytime traffic volumes. they plan to be off the road by 7 a.m. Friday for the weekend and return Sunday nights after the bulk of the weekend traffic is over. The Maine State Police will be at each site to assist maintenance crews with traffic control.

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

With gasoline prices averaging just under $3 per gallon, now might be a good time to think about ways to avoid tapping into your home’s equity to fill up the tank.

In California, where living on the freeway is a way of life, motorists are constantly trying to find innovative ways to save a few bucks at the pump. Here are some ideas from the California Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy Center:

Maintain your vehicle’s efficiency with regular maintenance to get the best fuel economy. Some overlooked maintenance items, such as a dirty air filter or under-inflated tires, can increase your fuel cost up to 13 percent. When replacing your tires, replace them with the same make and model as the tires that were on your vehicle when it was new.

Drive or purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle with a hybrid-electric, a diesel vehicle, or even a motorcycle. The next best option is to purchase the most fuel efficient vehicle within the class of vehicles you are considering.

Be aware that many companies try to sell mileage-improving devices. Some claim they will save you 10 percent to 50 percent. We say, “Let the Buyer Beware!” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Trade Commission have both stated there are no devices that boost mileage by any appreciable amount.

Vanity plate of the week

This one comes to us from Megan who spotted a Mitsubishi that obviously belongs to a mom with kids: PB4WEGO

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

The state is trying make some points with Maine motorists — literally.

In Maine, drivers start with a driving record rating of “0” and rack up demerits — also known as points — based on driving offenses such as speeding or running red lights. Once a driver has accrued 12 points, he or she faces enforcement action up to and including license suspension.

In an effort to attract participants into its Maine Driving Dynamics program, the state is offering a three-point credit for those who complete it. The five-hour course is sponsored by local adult-education programs and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. That means those who already have points against their licenses can lower that total by three points upon completion of the course. Drivers with no points against their license would collect a three-point credit that could be used to offset any points they may one day receive as the result of a future violation.

In the Augusta area, a Maine Driving Dynamics course will be offered at Maranacook Community High School in Readfield on Saturday, August 4. The two classes needed to complete the course have been scheduled for 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. More information about registering for the course can be obtained by calling 685-4923, Ext. 303.

The course is based on the concept that crashes do not result from accidents. They are instead caused by human behaviors. Topics of discussion will include collision avoidance techniques, safety issues and driver attitudes.

The course will be taught by a certified Maine Driving Dynamics instructor.

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

Drivers in the Augusta, Farmingdale and Hallowell area need to stay alert over the next few days as work continues on several of the major thoroughfares in the area.

The Maine Department of Transportation has advised that drivers can expect to encounter crews involved in shoulder-paving work along U.S. Route 201 in Farmingdale today and in Hallowell on Monday.

“The shoulder paving is part of the ongoing project to complete the center section of the Kennebec River Rail Trail between Augusta and Gardiner,” explains MDOT project manager Peggy Duval.

“Drivers can expect to encounter work crews and paving equipment on the Route 201 roadside between Hill Road and Riverview Street in Farmingdale (today). On Monday, crews will be working on the shoulder paving in Hallowell, south of the downtown area.”

She urged drivers to allow themselves some additional time or strongly consider an alternate route if one is available to them. Crews will try to minimize delays, but Duval warned that traffic congestion is always an issue whenever work is performed on the U.S. 201 highway corridor.

The newest section of the Kennebec River Rail Trail project began in the summer of 2006 and will continue into the early fall of this year. Throughout the course of the project, businesses in Hallowell and along the entire Route 201 corridor are open for business.

Western Avenue and Storey Street

Motorists planning on using Storey Street to access the Senator Inn’s facilities should use extreme caution when approaching the intersection from Western Avenue from either the east or the west.

At times, the Storey Street change-of-direction turnaround off Western Avenue has been closed recently, forcing motorists to continue down to the Whitten Road turnaround or the turnaround at the intersection of Western Avenue and Edison Drive.

Traffic on Storey Street is limited to one lane as work continues on the entrance to the Augusta Crossing shopping center. Movements of laborers and heavy machinery have resulted in some long lines of traffic as workers and machines cross Western Avenue.

Equal care should be taken at night on Western Avenue when flaggers will be on duty to direct traffic in the area.

Also, drivers on North Belfast Avenue proceeding in the vicinity of North Pearl Street should be prepared this week for alternating, single-lane traffic this week as work continues on this major artery into Augusta.

Sidney construction

The westerly end of the Dinsmore Road will be closed to through-traffic from Monday through Thursday for culvert replacement, weather permitting. The road connects Middle and West River Roads, and the construction is nearer to the Middle Road end and close to Duke’s Market.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Bridge

The Maine Department of Transportation has closed the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Bridge that connects Gardiner and Randolph to pedestrian traffic today, but the bridge will reopen to pedestrian traffic Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

To minimize congestion and delays in the Gardiner area, especially during the evening commute, the department is encouraging motorists to find alternate routes, such as Route 197 to the Richmond “swing bridge” at Exit 43 off Interstate 295.

The Pearl Harbor Remembrance Bridge, which connects U.S. Route 201 with Routes 9, 27 and 126, is undergoing some much-needed repairs. According to the MDOT, travel will be restricted to one lane in each direction on the bridge through the project’s expected completion in October.

When completed, the bridge repairs are expected to save travel time and minimize congestion. While the project is under way, motorists are advised to avoid using the bridge if possible.

State transportation officials recommend that motorists who must use the bridge plan on allowing extra time for their trip and travel during off-peak hours.

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

The Maine Department of Transportation will close the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Bridge that connects Gardiner and Randolph to pedestrian traffic Friday as construction on the span intensifies. Signs will be posted on the bridge today to alert pedestrians.

To minimize congestion and delays, especially during the evening commute, the department is encouraging motorists to find alternate routes, such as Route 197 to the Richmond “swing bridge” at Exit 43 off Interstate 295.

The Pearl Harbor Remembrance Bridge, which connects U.S. Route 201 with Routes 9, 27 and 126, is undergoing some much-needed repairs. According to the MDOT, travel will be restricted to one lane in each direction on the bridge through the project’s expected completion in October.

When completed, the bridge repairs are expected to save travel time and minimize congestion. While the project is under way, motorists are advised to avoid using the bridge if possible.

State transportation officials recommend that motorists who must use the bridge plan on allowing extra time for their trip and travel during off-peak hours. Further information can be found at the department’s web site at the MDOT

Augusta road work

Motorists should be prepared for delays on Western Avenue near Storey Street where work is continuing on an entrance to the Augusta Crossing shopping center. Movements of laborers and heavy machinery have resulted in some long lines as men and machines cross Western Avenue.

Equal care should be taken at night on Western Avenue when flaggers will be on duty to direct traffic in the area.

Also, drivers on North Belfast Avenue proceeding in the vicinity of North Pearl Street should be prepared this week for alternating, single-lane traffic this week as work continues on this major artery into Augusta.

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

Work continues on several streets in Augusta this week. Care should be taken on Ganneston Drive, Hartford Square, Cony Street and North Belfast Avenue.

Augusta Public Works Director John Charest said curb and sidewalk upgrades are continuing on Ganneston Drive and should be wrapped up in another week or so.

Some minor work near the Augusta Fire Department headquarters on Hartford Square should be completed fairly quickly and not interfere with traffic.

Work is winding up on some traffic islands near the intersection of Cony Street and Route 105. Those who are encountering the intersection for the first time will find that some adjustment will be required entering and exiting the intersection.

Drivers on North Belfast Avenue proceeding in the vicinity of North Pearl Street should be prepared this week for alternating, single-lane traffic this week as work continues on this major artery into Augusta.

Gardiner bridge work continues

Motorists are reminded to seek alternate routes to crossing the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Bridge in Gardiner and Randolph.

The bridge, which connects U.S. Route 201 in Gardiner with Routes 9, 27 and 126 in Randolph,
is undergoing some much-needed repairs. According to the Maine Department of Transportation, travel will be restricted to one lane in each direction on the bridge through the project’s expected completion in October.

Meanwhile, the DOT has modified its original plans pertaining to pedestrian crossings on the bridge. Initially, the construction crews had planned on prohibiting pedestrian traffic on the bridge — but now, pedestrians will be able to cross as often as construction workers deem appropriate based on safety issues.

There will still be some days during the course of the construction project that the bridge will be closed to pedestrians. Signs will be posted on the bridge at least a day before such closures to alert pedestrians.

When completed, the bridge repairs are expected to save travel time and minimize congestion. While the project is under way, motorists are advised to avoid using the bridge if possible. State transportation officials recommend that eastbound and westbound travelers use the Augusta bridges or the so-called “swing bridge” in Richmond. Northbound and southbound traffic should stay on Interstate 295 and use the Augusta or Richmond crossings.

State transportation officials recommend that motorists who must use the bridge plan on allowing extra time for their trip and travel during off-peak hours.

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at:
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

Maine’s narrow window of opportunity for highway and bridge repairs has sent many state construction projects into overdrive, including a project south of Augusta.

The Pearl Harbor Remembrance Bridge that connects Gardiner and Randolph in a rat’s nest of routes — 201, 9, 27 and 126 — is undergoing some much-needed repairs. According to the Maine Department of Transportation, travel will be restricted to one lane in each direction on the bridge beginning Monday through the project’s expected completion in October.

Meanwhile, the DOT has modified its original plans pertaining to pedestrian crossings on the bridge. Initially, the construction crews had planned on prohibiting pedestrian traffic on the bridge — but now, pedestrians will be able to cross as often as construction workers deem appropriate based on safety issues.

There will still be a total of about seven days during the course of the construction project that the bridge will be closed to pedestrians. Signs will be posted on the bridge at least a day before such closures to alert pedestrians.

When completed, the bridge repairs are expected to save travel time and minimize congestion. While the project is under way, motorists are advised to avoid using the bridge if possible. State transportation officials recommend that eastbound and westbound travelers use the Augusta bridges or the so-called “swing bridge” in Richmond. Northbound and southbound traffic should stay on Interstate 295 and use the Augusta or Richmond crossings.

State transportation officials recommend that motorists who must use the bridge plan on allowing extra time for their trip and travel during off-peak hours.

Seen any problem traffic spots, interesting driving techniques or outstanding vanity plates lately? Send those and other tips to A. J. Higgins at:
ajhiggins@centralmaine.com

I know I spend most of my time talking about all of us four-wheeled types. But we can’t forget the two-wheeling commuters that we share the road with on our way in and out of the city.

Motorcyclists and bicyclists require extra attention from drivers. Today we’ll talk about bicyclists.They make no noise, use no gas and are about as eco-friendly as mechanized transportation gets.

Sounds pretty benign, but I’ll tell you – it takes nerves of steel to ride a bike from Manchester to Augusta. I don’t care if you take if you take Route 202 or Granite Hill Road. Either way, it’s risky.

In addition to riding on shoulders that are unpredictable, a biker must contend with traffic that is frequently anything but supportive. A lot of motorists don’t believe bikers have a right to be on the roads – and they’re just plain wrong. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.

A lot of great information about sharing the roads with bicyclists can be found at www.bikemaine.org. Here are three major tips:

--Give give bicyclists extra trailing and passing room, just as you would other motorists.

--Allow at least three feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist just as you would with a slow-moving vehicle.

--Do not pass bicyclists if you will be making a right turn immediately afterward. Always assume bicyclists are traveling through unless they signal otherwise.

Tips, problem traffic areas and questions can be e-mailed to A. J. Higgins at ”mailto:ajhiggins@centralmaine.com”>aj@kj