Winter cellphone use near schools gets an 'F'

Snow isn't something new in these parts. Neither is looking out for neighbors.

Tuesday night's storm didn't drop a lot of snow but I noticed it caused a lot of problems.

The first lesson that should hit home for everyone is to be extra careful while driving in bad weather.

On Wednesday I witnessed a close call when a vehicle scattered a gaggle of high school children who were forced to walk along the road because sidewalks weren't shoveled.

Let's don't even discuss the lunacy of anybody talking on a cellphone while driving on these slippery roads. I heard of a couple of close calls the past two days in and around Washington Elementary.

I firmly believe cellphone use by drivers should be banned in and around school areas throughout the school year. With winter driving conditions, cellphone use by a driver in a school zone should be treated as a felony. Should cellphone-packing drivers face a snowball-throwing firing squad?

Too much happens too fast in school zones to have distracted drivers. You know who you are.

In fact, distracted driving has gotten so bad that some people have written letters to the editors — complete with drivers' licenses of the accused — in order to shine a light on these folks.

This time of year is also an awesome time to help out your neighbors by shoveling walks or assisting them.

During this hectic holiday season, don't we all owe it to ourselves to slow down and enjoy the many wonders that surround us?

David Keyes is publisher

of the Daily Bee.