Question: I read a report that I believe might explain where the idea of cell phones causing fires at gas stations might have come from.

At self-service stations, people often start filling their tanks, then go back into the cars to talk on the phone. Sliding into the seat and then back out again generates a static electricity charge. When they touch the gasoline nozzle, the static discharge can ignite the fumes. I have noticed that women do this more frequently than men. That would tend to explain the correlation between cell phone use and service station fires, wouldn't it? - Ted Wootton, Claremont

Answer: You have made an interesting point, Ted, although I'm pretty sure both genders could be found equally culpable. While the chance is remote that the elements needed to create a static-caused gas station fire would ever come together, such fires are indeed possible. In fact, The Petroleum Equipment Institute ran a safety warning a few years back called the "Stop Static" campaign, advising motorists to be cautious of static electricity when fueling their vehicles.

Question: I was involved in a minor collision with this really pompous guy who was talking on a cell phone, so he didn't notice a big red stop sign and hit my car. When I called the police, they would not send out a police car and I had to deal with this "gentleman" myself. Why wouldn't the police come out? - Susan Dube, Corona

Answer: It sounds as though no one was injured in your collision, Susan. If you have a fender-bender where no one has been hurt, a police report is not required. However, you are required to move your vehicle safely out of traffic and exchange insurance, vehicle and drivers license information with the other driver. If there is more than $750 damage to either vehicle, you are also required to report the collision to your insurance company.

Question: I never thought I'd be writing this question, but I live in San Bernardino and what with the snow (!) last week and the freezing temperatures, my driveway has become quite the treacherous little ice rink most mornings. I couldn't believe it when my tires started to spin the other day and the car began to slide. Short of putting chains on just to get down my driveway, what can I do? - Krista May, San Bernardino

Answer: There are several possible solutions, Krista. Salt can melt the ice, sand can give you traction, you can turn off your sprinklers or other water source that might be adding to the problem, or if all else fails, you might want to park on the street until we can once again honestly say that we live in "sunny" Southern California.

I found the following treasures on the Internet, and they made me smile. These purportedly were actual answers students gave on their final quizzes after spending the day in traffic school:

Question: When driving through fog, what should you use?

Answer: Your car.

Question: What is the difference between a flashing red traffic light and a flashing yellow traffic light?

Answer: The color.

Question: What changes would occur in your lifestyle if you could no longer drive lawfully?

Answer: I would be forced to drive unlawfully.

Michelle Groh-Gordy is the owner of InterActive! Traffic School Online at www.trafficinteractive.com , and writes a syndicated weekly column on driving for the publications of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.