Driver distraction is the second leading cause of auto accidents in the United States after alcohol abuse. The use of a cellular telephone or mobile device while driving has been proven to cause driver distraction although the research about the root of that distraction may surprise you. It is commonly thought that the dangers of cell phone use when operating a motor vehicle primarily involves texting, dialing and answering calls; in other words the physical manipulations of the phone. Research proves otherwise. It has been documented by numerous studies that using hands-free headphones or speaker phone while driving in no way reduces the statistical risk of an automobile accident.

Why is it that the use of hands-free devices does not reduce the risk of automobile accidents? Two factors are considered to be the most likely: that headsets and headphones also necessitate physical manipulation to function and may take up the same amount of attention as dialing or texting and that any conversation one has on a mobile phone is in and of itself a distraction to the driver. These two causes together may be the reason that any type of mobile phone use while driving is considered negligence. Cell phone conversations between the driver and the person on the other end of the line differ greatly from conversations the driver might have with other passengers in the car in that other passengers are aware of their surroundings and driving conditions and may pause the conversation or refrain from bringing up difficult topics during challenging traffic situations and risky moments where the driver needs to have his or her full attention on the road.

The link between auto accidents and mobile phone use has been established and has received national attention. 7 states, including New York, Connecticut and California, have taken legislative action banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving and many more are considering it. While a blanket ban on all cell phone usage while driving has not yet been implemented in any of the United States, some states have banned certain cell phone activities for certain types of motorists. 25 states have banned all cell phone use by new drivers and 18 states legally banned school bus drivers from using cell phones in any capacity while driving with students on the bus; 2 states do not allow school bus drivers to text, 26 states fully banned text messaging for all drivers and 8 states do not allow text messaging for new drivers alone.

Although Oprah Winfrey's noble "No Phone Pledge" has enlisted more than 340,000 Americans to commit to driving without cell phone usage of any sort, the hazards and risks of mobile phone usage remain.