(October 8, 2010) A ban on all cell phone use in vehicles including hands-free devices?

That seems to be the way U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is leaning. It may lessen distracted-driving accidents, but a total ban seems an impossible goal, and one that would not sit well with a majority of drivers.

LaHood said today that his department is beginning research that may lead to a push for a ban. LaHood, whose campaign against texting and making calls while driving has led to restrictions in 30 states, says his concerns extend to vehicle information and entertainment systems such as Ford Motor Co.'s Sync and General Motors Co.'s OnStar.

“I don't want people talking on phones, having them up to their ear or texting while they're driving,” LaHood said in an interview this week as reported by Bloomberg News. “We need a lot better research on other distractions,” including Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calls and the in-car systems, he said.

Even without a ban, which would have to be implemented by individual states, LaHood's escalating campaign may limit the growth of vehicle features such as Sync, being added by automakers to attract younger buyers. His push also may reduce calls made from vehicles and the revenue of mobile-phone companies such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc.

LaHood said even hands-free phone conversations are a “cognitive distraction.” Calling for a ban on hands-free communications is a possible outcome of research under way at the Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into all driver distractions, Olivia Alair, a department spokeswoman, said.

LaHood plans to meet with the heads of all makers of cars sold in the United States to discuss their cooperation in limiting distracted driving, he said in the Oct. 5 interview. He said he's not yet recommending restrictions on hands-free phone calls and didn't say when he might make a decision.