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- Details
- Written by: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, distracted driving killed 3,275 people in 2023.
But smartphones themselves may help to curb this risky behavior through “do not disturb” features that can block or limit use while driving.
New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that when activated, this feature can be effective in reducing smartphone interactions when driving.
“Distracted driving continues to be a major traffic safety concern as we’ve all witnessed how smartphones can lead to distraction and risky driving, but it’s possible these devices could help us to prevent it,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson with AAA Northern California. “Increasing the use of ‘Do Not Disturb’ technology requires more than building awareness. It requires behavior-focused strategies, smarter automation, consistent reinforcement through social norms, and possibly small incentives.”
Study insights: Driver interaction with ‘do not disturb’
Researchers examined why drivers avoid using “do not disturb” features and how to overcome their objections.
Drivers cited limited access to music and navigation as reasons not to activate “do not disturb” features. This misconception shows a lack of understanding of the technology. Current smartphone-blocking features allow music and navigation to be used when activated.
Other barriers mentioned by drivers included lack of awareness about the feature, forgetting to turn it on, and fear of missing important calls or texts while driving.
Despite this resistance, many drivers favor “do not disturb” features that automatically turn on during stressful situations like heavy rain, snow, or traffic. This suggests that drivers are more inclined to use this feature to reduce distraction when there are greater demands on their attention.
Additionally, the study revealed that younger drivers (age 18 – 24) -- a group more likely to use their phones when behind the wheel – are also more knowledgeable about “do not disturb” features than older generations. However, they also tend to believe they can use their phone safely while driving, suggesting this group may not feel these features are necessary.
AAA recommends the following to encourage the use of “do not disturb” features while driving:
• Increase awareness through targeted public education campaigns.
• Integrate education of “do not disturb” features into driver training and licensing programs.
• Improve automatic activation and situational awareness features (i.e., recognizing when the user is a passenger versus a driver).
• Use reminders and incentives to encourage drivers to use “do not disturb” features.
• Address misconceptions through in-app messaging.
• Leverage influencers to promote the use of this technology, especially to younger audiences.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
While traveling with these items may seem harmless, CDFA along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and local county agricultural commissioners want to remind air passengers and road trippers alike that non-native pests and diseases can act as sneaky hitchhikers in fruits, veggies and other plant and food items.
If transported into California, these invasive species can cause significant damage to California’s agricultural industries and residents’ homegrown produce.
To prevent the introduction of invasive pests and diseases, officials ask travelers entering or returning to California not to bring fruits, vegetables or meat products with them. If travelers have plants or produce, they’re asked to declare it for inspection to ensure its safety.
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross emphasized that the negative impacts of invasive pests and diseases stretch well beyond commercial agricultural operations.
“Invasive pests and plant diseases that make their way into California not only can have devastating consequences for the bountiful agricultural operations throughout the state, but also can impact our community’s ability to grow fruits and vegetables at home, as well as the delicate ecosystems of our natural and working lands. Everyone can play a role in keeping California free from invasive pests and diseases,” Ross said.
“Our CBP agriculture specialists stationed at land, sea and airports, utilize their technical proficiency in defending our borders from harmful pests and diseases,” said CBP Port Director of Los Angeles International Airport Andrew H. Douglas. “Travelers may even see our ‘Beagle Brigade,’ a specially trained canine team that can detect specific scents in travelers’ luggage associated with fruits, vegetables, meat and other products that could pose a threat.”
Highlighting the disruption invasive species can cause, California experienced the most pervasive invasive fruit fly outbreak in CDFA’s 100+ year history in 2023.
Believed to be caused by unauthorized movement of infested agricultural products, the outbreaks established quarantines across the state, restricting thousands of acres of commercial agriculture operations and residents’ ability to share and enjoy their homegrown produce.
There are currently two active invasive fruit fly quarantine areas in the state: a Mediterranean Fruit Fly quarantine area in parts of Alameda and Santa Clara counties, and an Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine in parts of Orange County.
For more information visit DontPackaPest.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The group will hold a “soft opening” for its new location in the northeast corner of the Lake County Agriculture Department building at 885 Lakeport Blvd. in Lakeport beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 24.
Come to the building’s northeast entrance door (not the main ag department door) and ake a peek at their office.
They will discuss future plans for their genealogy library in the Main Conference Room starting at 2:30 p.m.
After being without a home for the past seven years, the group has big plans for the future now that it has a new location.
For more information, visit the society’s website.
- Details
- Written by: Caltrans
Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
Caltrans advises motorists to drive with caution when approaching work areas and to be prepared to stop at traffic control stations.
The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes unless
noted otherwise.
For updates to this list check QuickMap at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).
LAKE COUNTY
Highway 20
Route 20 (1.1/2.4) – Construction work from Blue Lakes Road to Irvine Avenue will occur on Friday, May 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20KA
Route 20 (37.1) – Electrical work will occur east of Clearlake Oaks at the North Fork Cache Creek Bridge 14-12 on Wednesday, May 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P20BA
Route 20 (45/45.2) – Road work east of Walker Ridge Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20PA
Highway 29
Route 29 (19.7/20.7) – Caltrans has granted an encroachment permit for the Lower Lake Daze Parade from Clayton Creek Road to Marshview Way on Sunday, May 25. Lane closures will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#P29CA
Route 29 (30.2) – Utility work will occur near Route 175 on Thursday, May 29. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#P29BA
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Highway 1
Route 1 (6.5/6.7) – Electrical work will occur north of Anchor Bay near Gypsy Flat Road on Thursday, May 29. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1FA
Route 1 (31.1/31.6) – Bridge work at the Elk Creek Bridge 10-120 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1WA
Route 1 (33.6/33.7) – Bridge work in Elk at the Greenwood Creek Bridge 10-156 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1EB
Route 1 (33.7/40.2) – Paving work in Elk at the Greenwood Creek Bridge 10-156 to Jct Route 128 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1EB
Route 1 (40.1) – Bridge work at the Navarro River Bridge 10-130 will begin on Thursday, May 29. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1EB
Route 1 (40.2/47.5) – Paving work at various locations from Jct Route 128 to east of Little River Airport Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1EB
Route 1 (41.8/42.4) – Road work from the Navarro Point Preserve and Scenic Trail to Navarro Ridge Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1FB
Route 1 (48) – Bridge work at the Little River Bridge 10-178 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1EB
Route 1 (50.1/50.2) – Bridge work at the Big River Bridge 10-146 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1EB
Route 1 (51.4/52.1) – Bridge work north of Mendocino at the Jack Peters Creek Bridge 01-43484 from Lansing Street to south of Road 500D. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1VA
Route 1 (60.2/60.4) – Bridge work in Fort Bragg at the Noyo River Bridge 10-176 will occur on Thursday, May 29. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5 minute delays. LC#P1FA
Route 1 (62.1) – Bridge work in Fort Bragg at the Pudding Creek Bridge 10-158 will occur on Wednesday, May 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5 minute delays. LC#P1FA
Route 1 (75.4/76.1) – Emergency work south of Westport from the Blues Beach Trailhead to the Overlook will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 30-minute delays. LC#C1TA
Highway 20
Route 20 (.01/.5) – Road work in Fort Bragg from Jct Route 1 to Symes Lane will occur on Wednesday, May 28. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P20BA
Highway 101
U.S. 101 (15.9/17.2) – Tree work south of Ukiah from the McNab Creek Bridge 10-4 to Nelson Ranch Road will occur on Wednesday, May 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#P101FA
U.S. 101 (41/43.3) – Barrier work from Ridgewood Summit to north of the Willits Water Treatment Plant continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C101DA
U.S. 101 (49.6/50.8) – Bridge work north of Willits near Schow Road will begin on Tuesday, May 27. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C101YB
U.S. 101 (54.9/59.3) – Mowing work north of Willits at various locations from Big Trails Drive to Jct Route 162. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#M101IA
U.S. 101 (55.8/57.8) – Paving work from north of Underpass Road to north of Shimmins Ridge Road will occur on Friday, May 30. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101BC
U.S. 101 (57.8/59.8) – Paving work from north of Underpass Road to north of Jct Route 162 will occur on Thursday, May 29. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101BC
U.S. 101 (59/61) – Paving work near Jct Route 162 continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101BC
U.S. 101 (59.9) – Bridge work at the Long Valley Creek Bridge 10-180 continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101NA
U.S. 101 (72.1/72.7) – Emergency work north of Laytonville at Woodruff Drive continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#T101GA
U.S. 101 (89.5/89.7) – Road work south of Leggett continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101SC
Highway 128
Route 128 (30.4/30.6) – Electrical work from the Cal Fire Boonville Station to the Robinson Creek Bridge 10-63 will occur on Thursday, May 29. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P128AA
Highway 162
Route 162 (7.9/8.4) – Bridge work at the Eel River Bridge 10-236 continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162HA
Route 162 (10/11.5) – Emergency work from the Rodeo Creek Bridge 10-237 to Division Creek will begin on Friday, May 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C162IA
Route 162 (15.2/16.4) – Emergency work will occur from Laytonville Dos Rios Road to Covelo Road on Friday, May 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C162EA
Highway 253
Route 253 (12.8/13.3) – Road work at Butler Ranch Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C253CA
DEL NORTE COUNTY
Highway 101
U.S. 101 (35.8/36.5) – Construction at the Dr. Fine Bridge near Smith River will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LC#C101WA
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Highway 36
Route 36 (4.4/6.1) – Construction upgrades near Carlotta are scheduled to continue. Expect 15-minute delays weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. LC#C36IA
Route 36 (15.7/16.3) – Slide response east of Swimmer's Delight will continue. Check "Caltrans District 1" social media and QuickMap for the latest information. LC#C36HA
Route 36 (19.6) – Emergency work west of Maple Grove will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Travelers should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C36JA
Route 36 (25.3/25.9) – Work east of Bridgeville will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 15-minute delays. LC#C36UA/C36FA
Route 36 (27/30.3) - Pavement work near McClellan Mountain Road is scheduled to begin. Expect 15-minute delays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. LC#C36BA
Highway 101
U.S. 101 (19.4/17.7) – Maintenance south of Phillipsville from the Dimmick Road Undercrossing to Hooker Creek Road is scheduled to continue. Expect a southbound lane closure from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and minor traffic slowdowns. LC#M101QA
U.S. 101 (25/27.1) – Drainage work south of Myers Flat is scheduled on Friday, May 23. Expect 10-minute delays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. LC#C101DE
U.S. 101 (40/42) – Drainage work north of Redcrest is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 28. Expect 10-minute delays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. LC#C101DE
U.S. 101 (42.3/43) – Emergency work north of Redcrest will continue. A northbound lane closure will be in effect. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#T101AA
U.S. 101 (74.7/76.1) - Construction north of the Herrick interchange will continue. Expect slowdowns due to lane and periodic driveway closures. LC#C101CC
U.S. 101 (80.8/81.4) - Northbound pavement work north of Jacobs Avenue is scheduled to continue weeknights overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday, May 23. Lane closures are planned. Expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101FD
U.S. 101 (82.7/83.4) – Construction at the Indianola Cutoff will continue. Motorists should expect slowdowns. Also, access from the cutoff to southbound 101 is currently unavailable due to a median closure. LC#C101FD
Highway 211
Route 211 (73.8) - Permit work in Ferndale between Arlington and Howard Streets is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Expect 5-minute delays. LC#P211BA
Highway 254
Route 254 (3.1/4.2) – Emergency work north of Phillipsville will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C254JA
Route 254 (18.4/19.1) – Emergency work north of Weott will continue. A full closure is in effect. Motorists should use U.S. 101 as a detour. LC#T254A
Highway 255
Route 255 (4.7/6) - A permitted event near Young Lane in Arcata is scheduled on Saturday, May 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect 5-minute delays. LC#P255CA
Highway 299
Route 299 (0.7/5.5) - Work between Giuntoli and Blue Lake is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 27. Expect minor traffic slowdowns from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. LC#C299HA
Route 299 (11.1/22.3) - Pavement work from about 11 to 22 miles from U.S. 101 will continue. Travelers should expect 5-minute delays on weekdays. LC#C299RA
Route 299 (29.6/30.6) - Permit work near the Berry Summit Vista Point is scheduled to continue weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Expect 10-minute delays. LC#P299BA
Route 299 (31.4/31.6) - Construction west of Willow Creek will continue. One-way traffic will be in effect. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LCC299LA
Route 299 (32.8/33.1) - Construction west of Willow Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LC#P299BA