The rapid rise in popularity of wireless phones has contributed to an increased number of automobile accidents reveals a new study conducted by researchers from Harvard University. According to the inquiry, which was released Monday by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, the number of cell phone subscribers has increased from 94 million in 2000 to more than 128 million in 2002.

Using current cell phone usage estimates, researchers determined that drivers talking on their phones account for six percent of U.S. automobile accidents each year, killing an estimated 2,600 people and injuring 330,000 others. As a result, consumers spend an estimated $43 billion a year on the economic costs (medical bills and loss of life) of cell phone related accidents.