Free Republic

Update, 5 p.m.: The Grand County Sheriff’s Office stated that County Road 1/Trough Road is reopened. Please drive with caution. A massive amount of snow has fallen across Grand County over the weekend triggering an avalanche and multiple highway closures. As of noon on Jan. 15 U.S. Highway 40 is still closed in both directions near Berthoud Pass while snow removal continues, Rabbit Ears Pass is closed in both direction on U.S. 40 and Colorado 125 is closed in both directions from mile point 0 to Forest Road 730, which is south of Walden. While everyone is trying to navigate...

Getting directions on the road from Google Maps and other smartphone apps is a popular alternative to the expensive navigation aids included in some cars. The apps are also a gray area when it comes to laws banning the use of cellphones or texting while driving. The Transportation Department wants to enter the argument. The department is intensifying its battle against distracted driving by seeking explicit authority from Congress to regulate navigation aids of all types, including apps on smartphones. The measure, included in the Obama administration’s proposed transportation bill, would specify that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has...