If I had to guess, I’d say half the cell phone conversations I have with my wife last 10 seconds or less. These are the ones that go something like this: “Yup, I’m heading home. Can’t talk now. I’m driving.”

I know people are all over the place on this topic. Some of you think nothing of carrying on long and complicated conversations with a friend or spouse, while also navigating rush hour traffic.  And that scares me.

But maybe it’s  just because I have difficulty talking on the phone and doing much of anything else at the same time. But so do a lot of other people, according to a researcher at the Public Policy Institute of California who looked into the possible impact of that state’s new cell phone law.  Starting in July, drivers will be forced to use hands-free devices in their cars. Drivers under 18 won’t be allowed to talk on cell phones at all. While in their cars, I mean.

According to the report:

“The findings indicate that mobile phone ownership is associated with higher traffic fatality rates in bad weather, on wet roads, and in rush-hour traffic. California’s new law should lead to some 300 fewer traffic fatalities a year. “

I wonder what you folks think. Is it safe/unsafe to talk on a cellphone while driving?