A recent survey by the University of Michigan reveals

• 8 in 10 said cell phones are a major safety hazard if used while driving.

• 6 in 10 cell phone users say that using a cell phone in public can be “a major irritation.” 

• 4 in 10 said there should be a law prohibiting people from talking on their cell phones in public places.

  The 80% negative responses did not differentiate between drivers using hand sets or hand free cell phones.

  There does appear to be some evidence that the use of cellphone while driving results in more accidents.

  According to an estimate from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society,

   

talking or listening on cell phones causes 2,600 deaths and over 300,000 injuries in the U.S. each year.

Some claim that it is not the actual talking on cell phones that causes mishaps or tragedy on the road but rather the distraction that is the main cause. Thus, having a conversation with a passenger in the same vehicle or lighting a cigarette would pose a similar threat to safety.

Proposed German legislation would outlaw smoking while driving in addition to banning the use of cell phones.

Generally, it seems that lawmakers subscribe to the belief that using a hand-free cell phones minimizes the risk of accidents. Much of the enacted and pending legislation targets use of handsets rather that cell phone use.