But what remains abundantly clear is that texting and talking while holding a phone to your ear is extremely dangerous while driving. Indeed, U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show nearly 5500 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2009, although the study did not indicate to what extent cell phone use and texting were the cause. Still, for whatever reason, many states have yet to ban either activity in the United States. By contrast, Western Europe has long since outlawed non-hands-free cell phone use and texting while driving.

In the best-case scenario, the United States would legislate a nationwide ban on texting and handheld cell phone use while driving. And , I hope, it will stiffen penalties by imposing mandatory jail sentences on those who needlessly endanger the lives of others by engaging in these activities. Meanwhile, I still hold much faith in technology and believe that automakers just might be able to develop very useful in-car tech that is also safe to use.

Bruce covers tech trends in the United States and Europe and can be reached through his Website at .