• 28% of all traffic crashes caused by cell phones/texting

  The use of cell phones or texting by drivers is behind 28% of all U.S. traffic crashes, according to a recent study by the National Safety Council (NSC). This adds up to 1.6 million crashes a year. While the NSC, a non-profit group, called for better law enforcement of motorists’ cell phone restrictions, there’s another solution as well: Make sure if you’re texting or making a call while on the road, someone else is driving—whether in a carpool, vanpool or bus.

• Prices drop on 91 express lanes

   Traveling on the 91 express lanes just got a little cheaper: the toll during two time periods dropped by 50 cents for those traveling in the eastbound direction Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m. and Fridays 2-3 p.m. With this most recent decrease, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will have lowered tolls during 33 time slots since October 2008. Travel on toll lanes continues to be free most hours for 3-plus person carpools (and half-price during peak hours). To view the new toll schedule, go to octa.net/91tolls

• EPA proposes stricter air quality standards

   The Environmental Protection Agency last month proposed stricter health standards for smog, replacing 2005 limits that did not meet scientific recommendations. The new limits—which are presented as a range—will likely put hundreds more counties nationwide in violation (much of California already is). According to the EPA, the tighter standards will cost tens of billions of dollars to implement, but will ultimately save billions in avoided emergency room visits, premature deaths, and missed work and school days. The rules must undergo 60 days of public comment before becoming final.