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While it’s no surprise that talking on a phone while driving probably isn’t the best idea, a recent National Safety Council (NSC) report reveals some sobering statistics about the risks of doing so – even with a hands-free device.

“While you can technically operate a cell phone and a vehicle at the same time, it seems that our brains aren’t hardwired to process that much information simultaneously,” explains Autoblog. “According to the study, the result is that while we may see everything on the road, our noggins are only making use of around 50 percent of the available information while we’re on the phone. Yikes.”

Titled “Understanding the distracted brain: Why driving while using hands-free cell phones is risky behavior,” the report cites more than 30 scientific studies, including public opinion surveys. According to NSC’s press release, these surveys “show most drivers believe using a cell phone while driving is dangerous. However, many admit they regularly talk or text while driving.”

Another disturbing statistic in the report: “At any time, 11 percent of all drivers are using cell phones, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NSC estimates more than 1 out of every 4 motor vehicle crashes involves cell phone use at the time of the crash.” NSC also estimates that “28% of crashes — 1.6 million crashes per year — can be attributed to cell phone talking and texting while driving.”

So what are federal legislators doing to curb this dangerous behavior?

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, “Twenty states plus the District of Columbia currently outlaw texting while driving. The Ohio House passed a bill on Wednesday that would do the same. Six states and D.C. prohibit motorists from pressing a hand-held cell phone to their ear.”

However, the Plain Dealer adds that a ban on all cell phone use while driving has yet to be passed. “But that’s viewed by some as the all-important next step in an incremental process,” they write. NSC’s report may just fuel the fire in that endeavor.

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