Researchers from the University of Utah claim that using a cellphone while driving impairs drivers to the same degree as alcohol. Several states have laws enforcing the use of hands free devices while driving, but they only have a limited effect according to the study. A city in Kanas has proposed a complete ban (handsfree or not).

Three study participants rear-ended the simulated car in front of them. All were talking on cellphones and none was drunk, the researchers said.Motorists who talked on either handheld or hands-free cell phones drove slightly more slowly, were 9 percent slower to hit the brakes, and varied their speed more than undistracted drivers.

[via BuzzPatrol]