We all know that it is not safe to drink and drive. But what about using a phone, for talking or texting, during your morning commute?

Studies have shown that cell phone use impairs drivers just as much as alcohol intoxication does. In fact, the federal government estimates that 18 percent of the more than 5,000 fatal car crashes from distracted driving in 2009 involved cell phone use.

Moreover, experts say these numbers surely underestimate the extent of the problem because police at the scene often cannot determine if the driver has been texting or talking before the collision. According to some surveys, one quarter of adults admit to texting while driving and more than 60 percent admit to talking on the phone while driving.

Bottom line, all of this means there are many, many impaired drivers out on our roadways.

The debate rages about health effects from “fracking” for natural gas. One thing we know for sure now: It is becoming harder to ignore the risks at groundlevel. Drilling companies are racking up environmental violations for dumping and spills. And the increased traffic from industrial trucks and other heavy equipment means more risks for those on the road.