DEAR SUN SPOTS: The other day while driving on Sabattus St. in front of Elizabeth Ann’s in Lewiston another driver nearly hit me. This car continued to drift between the lanes and could have easily caused an accident. Further down the road I saw that the driver was using a cell phone. I see this a lot actually; isn’t it illegal? I took down the license plate number but I wasn’t sure what to do with it. What is the best way to report unsafe driving? — Joe, Lewiston.

ANSWER: Sadly, we see it all the time. Cars swerve on the road, cut people off and act oblivious to the danger they are causing. It’s frustrating for other drivers and it’s illegal.

In Maine, cell phone use is completely banned for all drivers under the age of 18 and, adults, if you are caught texting while driving it is a $250 fine. If you violate the law again within 3 years it is a $500 fine and you could have your license suspended.

But what can you do when you see this kind of dangerous behavior?

Sun Spots reached out to the Lewiston Police Department to find out the best way to report reckless driving. Chief Brian O’Malley responded, saying that drivers should “most definitely report this to 911. If possible tell the 911 dispatcher the license plate number, the color of the car and a description of the driver. The police officer can follow up with the registered owner of the car and advise them of the complaint of their driving, or whoever was driving the car.”

If you see someone driving dangerously, pull over to a safe spot and call 911.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a beige porcelain sink and I was washing some combs and brushes that have some metal on them. I noticed that the sink now has some black scratches from the metal on the combs. I tried to wash them off with some cleanser but they are still there. Is there something that I can use to get these marks off the sink? — No name, Lewiston.

ANSWER: The best way to remove dark scratches from porcelain is with an abrasive cleaner, but these can be harsh on the porcelain’s shiny finish.

Something to try first would be soaking the scratches by filling the sink with warm water and bleach overnight. In the morning, drain and wipe the sink to lift the black marks right out. Although, if these scratches have been on there for a while, soaking alone may not do the trick.

The next thing you can try is one of those “magic” sponge erasers. They are known to scrub dark scratches right out from porcelain surfaces. Use them with care though, as they have also been known to affect porcelain’s shiny finish with too much use.

If those options are unsuccessful a soft scrubbing pad and a good scouring powder will certainly put an end to those scratches. You can start with baking soda — it’s great for scrubbing and has no harsh ingredients — but if that doesn’t quite get it, a powder detergent — such as dish-washing detergent or bleach powder — and some elbow grease will do it.

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