Unfortunately I have not been able to find the study we discussed when I was working with Nokia-- it was not the same as the one referenced in my link today, and was specifically designed to show the difference between talking to a remote listener vs speaking to someone in the car.

If I find it, of course I'll link back.

Aside to fatalsaint: of course I realize that study was about talking... but texting is of course more prone to cause accidents than mere talking due to level of engagement.

As for my preferences, in general I don't like prior restraint laws. I accept some only very reluctantly and after it's been sufficiently demonstrated to me that they have become necessary. For example I think laws against open alcohol containers in cars are technically absurd... but in the end I can't argue against their obvious need.

I'd rather expend my energy fighting the truly intrusive and stupid laws, like ones that put marijuana smokers in prison. But to each their own.

FOUND IT! warning: slow site...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2...phone_risk.htm

Unfortunately that particular article doesn't get into what they found regarding speaking to parties over a cell phone vs speaking to someone in proximity, but as I recall the difference in visual engagement was profound.