Here in Oz, it is illegal to talk or text on a hand held mobile (cell) phone while driving. To me, texting takes away more of your attention than talking on the phone while you are driving, but I see a lot of people doing it.

Last week I was stuck behind a woman who was so totally occupied with her phone that she sat through a complete change of traffic lights, from red to green and back to red again. When she finally crept through the next green light, I could still see her on her phone as I went past.

Hands free is another matter. I see nothing wrong with that. It shouldn't take any more of your attention than listening to the radio or talking to another person in the car. Mick said he uses a headset. He sounds as if he is being very responsible about it. I actually find having a conversation with someone else in the car can be very distracting. That sort of thing can make me miss my turn and things like that.

I don't use my mobile phone a lot, but there are times when it is very handy. Used sensibly, they can make our lives easier in many ways. The problems are caused by thoughtless users, not the phones themselves. Anyway, not much point complaining about them. They are here to stay.