The National Safety Council (NSC) is calling for a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving. While a handful of states have outlawed hand-held cell phone use for drivers, they still permit hands-free headsets. However, the NSC plans on lobbying in all fifty states to ban all types of cell phone use, including hands-free, as well as text-messaging while driving.

The NSC’s aggressive actions follow years of studies and research involving driving and cell phones. According to research performed by the Harvard Center of Risk Analasys, 6% of traffic accidents nationwide are the result of cell phone use. This equates to 330,000 injuries and 2,600 deaths annually. A study conducted by the University of Utah shows absolutely no difference in concentration levels between drivers using hands-held cell phones and drivers using hands-free headsets.