A 2200lb. manned projectile hurtling along at 60+mph is itself inherently dangrous. Any distraction to the operator of said projectile can only increase that danger IMO. However, the libertarian in me still opposes any attempt at legally banning those distractions. A Government that will use the force of law to protect the individual from the consequences of his actions is encroaching on that individual’s liberty, and can only result in further encroachments in the future. It is up to each individual to recognize the potential consequences of our actions and to take steps, through common sense and good judgement, to minimize risk. Many will not. And many will pay dearly for it. I believe this is the price of freedom.
From a legislative standpoint, I believe the most effective way to improve traffic safety would be to outlaw automatic transmissions, power steering and power brakes.
One big reason why people often drive in such a distracted state is that the design of a modern vehicle makes it easy for them to do it. You never would have seen this kind of nonsense when driving a car meant driving a car instead of sitting in a miniature living room with giant windows and a modern entertainment system.