"But were the effects of an accident limited solely to me, I am sure that the utility I get from being able to coordinate with others while on the road is great

"But were the effects of an accident limited solely to me, I am sure that the utility I get from being able to coordinate with others while on the road is greater than the cost of a marginal increase in the chance of an accident." Are you sure? The study the article cites (see http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2009&itemno=571 http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2009&itemno=5... ) says that for light cars (trucks are worse), the risk of crashing is 1.3 (1.4, 2.8) times higher for talking on (reaching for, dialing) a cell phone. I'd say that increase in risk is significant, especially because the potential cost of an accident, even if you don't involve anyone else, is so high. Sitting here thinking about it, I'd rather miss a call. (EDIT, the study actually said crash or near-crash event. Not sure how to process that.)