According to recent Federal government estimates, about 3% (500,000) of drivers talk on hand-held cellular phones at any given time. The rates double during non-peak hours, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA researchers gathered data on over 12,000 vehicles traveling through 640 intersections throughout the country. The survey determined that van and SUV drivers are more likely to talk on cell phones while driving. In fact, 8% of van and SUV drivers used wireless phones while driving, the highest usage rate in the study. Pickup truck drivers are the least likely to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. The study also found that women use cell phones more than men and white drivers more so than minorities.

The data did not include information on hands-free cell phone usage. In addition, the study did not analyze the relationship between cell phone use and auto accidents.

According to NHTSA statistics, 20% to 30% of all crashes involve driver distraction of some sort (eating, reading, talking, changing radio stations).