Talk-time could be over for drivers...

You can pick them a kilometre off - drivers who create road chaos while talking on a mobile phone.

Whether it be changing lanes without signalling, cutting corners too fine or just dawdling along, the mobile phone has a lot to answer for.

In various parts of Australia talking on a mobile while driving is illegal and you can cop very hefty fines.

American research shows that not only are there dangers in talking on a mobile phone and driving, but hands-free sets may not be as safe as first thought.

A story originating from the US could be a major blow for mobile phone manufacturers, such as Nokia, Ericsson and Motorola, to name a few.

According to a study conducted by four University of Utah scientists, calling and driving simultaneously poses a danger to motorists, no matter the type or brand of mobile phone used.

Already a few North American states have changed laws to fall in line with the research.

New York, for instance, became the first state to ban hand-held mobile phones in vehicles earlier this year. However, New Yorkers are allowed to use hands-free units.

But even then, hands-free units are still just as distracting, according to the research. The scientists had this to say: "We found that conversing on either a hand-held or a hands-free cell phone led to significant decrements in simulated driving performance.

"Our data suggests that legislative initiatives that restrict hand-held devices, but permit hands-free devices, are not likely to reduce interference from the phone conversation."

Tom Wheeler, president of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, said: "The reality of the situation from the current crash data available is that wireless phones aren't contributing to a significant number of crashes."

Sure, we have two sides arguing about the safety of drivers. But one view is from a safety angle, the other is motivated by sales. If governments all over the globe start banning mobile phones in cars, full-stop, then mobile phone manufacturers will make massive losses. In the US alone 60 per cent of mobile phone usage occurs while driving.

Other research suggests that a collision is four-times more likely to occur when you're speaking on a mobile phone. That puts it right up there with drink-driving as far as risk is concerned. The big question remains, though - will this issue eventually face Australian road users?