Instead of banning the phones I suggest penalizing inattentive drivers.
Like the ones eating or drinking, trying to pacify their kids in the back sit, trying to adjust radio in heavy traffic, smoking, spitting, talking to a passenger, arguing with the spouse, trying to adjust mirrors, arguing with other driver, daydreaming, sleeping (applies to drivers going 10 miles below posted speed limit in the left lane-see other post on this forum), and playing with climate control at highway speeds.

Anyone telling me, that while they find it impossible to drive safely while talking on the phone, they can do all these other things safely is lying. They all distract from driving. German engineers did not understand why Americans wanted cup holders in their MBs ("how can you drink while DRIVING???"). Although a very sexy target, phones are just the latest addition to a long list of activities American love to do while driving. I find it assinine to get fixiated on one of them. BTW, in some states they will ban hand-held phones, but allow head sets. Since I find just the act of conversing to be distracting, I suggest we ban all phones, radio's and passengers (specifically spouses) in the moving cars. Should take care of some of our problems.

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1985 190D 2.2l Sold-to Brother-in-law
1996 Mustang 3.8l -"thinks it's a sports car"
1988 Grand Wagoneer - Sold (good home)
1995 Grand Cherokee Ltd -"What was I thinking??!!"