News You Can Use

April 27, 2007

Outstanding, Out-of-State Driving Violations Count in PA

Within According to the PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania cannot issue, renew or replace a driver's license in cases where there are outstanding sanctions in other states listed against a driver in the "National Driver Register's Problem Driver Pointer System."

Until sanctions are resolved, a federally-mandated change requires that motorists be denied driving privileges. This provision of the federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act is expected to affect 170,000 of Pennsylvania's 8.5 million licensed drivers. PennDOT will issue courtesy reminders six months and three months prior to the renewal deadline.

See PennDOT's announcement regarding compliance with the federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act and details on the law's affect on driving privileges.

Wildfire Warnings for PA

Nearly 85 percent of all fires in Pennsylvania woodlands occur during the months of March, April, and May, according to the Bureau of Forestry within the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Wildfires annually burn through nearly 10,000 acres of forestland in the state, threatening people, homes, and wildlife.

Spring weather patterns and the forest's lack of green foliage combine to create tinder boxes for careless campers, state forest visitors and others who disregard the potential dangers of wildfire. Awareness can prevent needless tragedy.

The Bureau of Forestry is charged with preventing and suppressing wildfires on the state's 17 million acres of private and state woodlands. See DCNR's spring wildfire warning and more on how you can prevent wildfires.

Don't miss the history of Smokey Bear; the guardian of our forests whose origins go back to Pearl Harbor. Read more about the country's desire to protect precious forestlands after a Japanese submarine off the California coast in 1942 fired a salvo of shells that exploded on an oil field near Los Padres National Forest.

Visit the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fire Weather Information Center and learn more about the NOAA's history dating to 1807. Among the NOAA's top 10 history makers is Pennsylvania's daughter, Rachel Carson. Best known for writing "Silent Spring," the pioneering scientist is credited with launching the global environmental movement. Her contributions are recognized in Harrisburg, PA where the state's environmental protection efforts are housed within the Rachel Carson State Office Building.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Learn & Experience Maritime History

Climb the masts, work the sails, run the rigging, and sail the ship while learning maritime history aboard a traditional, 19th century replica of the naval warship U.S. Brig Niagara--all while receiving three to four college credits. The hands-on and classroom education are part of an effort to provide students with a unique learning experience about the War of 1812 and Pennsylvania's role.

Course study and hands-on experience will be conducted through a special arrangement between the Erie Maritime Museum, the University of Pittsburgh, and Edinboro University. The 2-masted, 198' sailing vessel will provide dockside training, day sails and overnight training in preparation for an 8-day sail on Lake Erie. For more on the history and sailing courses contact Wesley Heerssen at 814-452-2744, ext. 218, or at wheerssen@state.pa.us.

The U.S. Niagara is used to educate the public on the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. The Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara are one of 26 historic sites and museums on the PA Trail of History.

PA Notes Rural Roads Safety Week

Farm equipment played a role in 93 preventable crashes and two deaths in 2006, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Motorists are being reminded of the seasonal return to heavy agricultural work throughout the state's farming regions with the 2007 observance of Rural Roads Safety Week during the last week of April.

Whether residing near or traveling through the state's more than 7.7 million acres of farmlands operated by our 59,000 farm families, observing a few words of caution issued by PennDOT, the PA Department of Agriculture, the PA State Police, and the PA Farm Bureau can prevent tragedy. The partners agree on 6 key tips:

Don't Rush
Pass with Care
Be Patient
Brake Immediately for the SVM Emblem (the orange triangular Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem)
Remain Visible
Yield to Wide Vehicles

The partners warn that if you are driving 55 miles per hour and come upon a tractor moving at its average speed of 15 miles per hour, it only takes five seconds to close a gap the length of a football field between you and the tractor. Get the details on these 6 tips and more from the PA Farm Bureau brochure, "Rural Road Safety."

Access PA's Recreational Fishing & Boating Opportunities

Eighty-three thousand miles of rivers and streams and more than 200,000 acres of lakes are located within Pennsylvania. Whether you are new to Pennsylvania or a native who already enjoys these vast opportunities for fishing and boating in-state, the PA Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) has assembled everything you need to know within a clickable state map.

Broken down by our 67 counties, one click on the county of your choice will reveal approved trout waters. Find boat rentals, boat/launch access and ramps, special regulations, licensing and registration agents, and more courtesy of the PF&BC.

Also, understand public access to PA's waterways and the rights of property owners.

Be Sun Wise

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Skin cancer strikes one in five Americans while one person dies every hour from the disease. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has increased approximately 150 percent since 1973.

Warming temperatures find parents and kids running off for sports practice and teachers leading students on outdoor field trips or just dismissing them for playground activities. These same adults can help kids understand that one or two blistering sunburns in childhood may double the lifetime risk of developing melanoma.

The Sun Wise Program is an environmental and health education program that aims to teach the public how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun through the use of classroom-, school-, and community-based components. Locate basic information, as well as specifics for use by parents, teachers, and communities.

The PA Department of Health offers information on the prevention, detection, and risk factors for skin cancer. Go one step further and sign up for free UV Index and Air Quality Alerts from the EPA.