Is talking on your cell phone dangerous behind the wheel?
A government agency says yes and now wants a ban even on hands-free phone devices.
"That is not supported by the science that we've done," says Jon Hankey with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
A video from VTTI shows a truck driver behind the wheel talking on the radio. According to VTTI, the driver doesn't appear distracted and safely navigates the highway while talking.
"There's a protective effect of talking on a phone for truck drivers," says Hankey, "It's a very boring thing, monotonous task and so you might think that talking, and if you talk to truck drivers, talking perks you up. It's a cognitive stimulation."
The National Transportation Safety Board disagrees. This week the government agency recommended a ban on all cell phone use behind the wheel. That includes talking with a hands-free device.
Some drivers agree.
"I think you should ban all electronic devices while you're driving unless you are a police officer or emergency responder cause even three seconds of a distraction can cost somebody's life," says driver Courtney Kestner.
But other drivers say it's no different than talking to a passenger.
"You can talk to the person next to you as well as talking on the phone," says Kathie Butler, "That's not a distraction."
According to AAA, 66% of Virginians favor a ban on all cell phone use behind the wheel.
