The group representing Ontario's doctors says people who get behind the wheel should leave their cellphones out of reach.
An Ontario Medical Association study released this week says the risk of collision is significantly lower among drivers who aren't talking on the phone.
The group wants to see mobile phone use, including emailing and sending text messages, banned for Ontario's drivers.
The group says mobile phone use impacts a driver's cognitive function, visual concentration, reaction time and the speed at which they process information.
Its study found drivers are at significantly greater risk of collision regardless of whether they use a hands-free device or a hand-held phone. It also found that more than 30 countries and three Canadian provinces ban cellphone use for drivers.
Although talking on the phone while driving certainly is distracting, drivers have at least eight more significant distractions to watch out for, according to a study by the University of North Carolina's Highway Safety Research Centre.
Distractions outside the car, adjusting the car stereo and other occupants rate near the top of the influences studied by the centre.
The Highway Safety Research Centre's list of top driving distractions:
- Things outside the car
- Other distractions (various)
- Adjusting the radio or changing the CD
- Other occupants
- Moving objects in the car
- Other objects in the car
- Vehicle controls
- Eating or drinking
- Cellphones
- Smoking
