"Even if you're using a hands-free phone, you're using quite a bit of brain power to actually have a discussion."

But for most people, the easiest way to get a hands-free phone is to add a conversion device.

Many cars now come with hands-free phones built in.

For that reason, hands-free phones do not solve the problem and may even worsen it, he said.

A hands-free phone, he said, may encourage drivers to take notes on what they are hearing.

The law does not apply to drivers who are using a hands-free phone or are calling emergency numbers.

Another bill before the Council would restrict calls even from those hands-free phones.

A global-positioning navigation system and hands-free phone are options.

Countries where using either a hand-held or hands-free phone while driving is illegal:

For this reason, hands-free phones will be of limited benefit in reducing cellphone-related accidents.