Ontario has proposed a ban on hand-held cell phones (and other devices) while driving. Ontario will be joining other provinces in adding such a ban, but it makes no sense.
The research clearly shows that it is the cognitive distraction caused by talking on the phone that causes problems, not the physical use of the phone. So, getting people to switch to hands-free mode or headsets does nothing to address the problem.
Here is another recent report on cell phone distraction cause by hands-free devices.
Mobiles distract drivers more than chatty passengers
Mobile phone calls distract drivers far more than even the chattiest passenger, causing drivers to follow too closely and miss exits, US researchers reported on Monday.
Using a handsfree device does not make things better and the researchers believe they know why – passengers act as a second set of eyes, shutting up or sometimes even helping when they see the driver needs to make a manoeuvre.
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They have demonstrated that chatting on a mobile phone can slow the reaction times of young adult drivers to levels seen among senior citizens, and shown that drivers using mobile telephones are as impaired as drivers who are legally drunk.