Drivers should hang up their phones while driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationsaid yesterday. The announcement added fuel to the driving safety issue's hotfire. While some groups say wireless in vehicles can be dangerous, wireless-industrygroups have pushed safety awareness, pointing out phones are one of many distractions.

During yesterday's public meeting to discuss driver distraction,Rosalyn Millman, deputy administrator for the agency, said that new NHTSA consumerdata will now reflect that growing evidence suggests using a wireless phoneor other electronic device while driving can be distracting, and drivers shouldnot talk on the phone while their vehicles are in motion. Millman went on toassert that manufacturers and service providers of wireless and in-vehicle telematicssystems are responsible for understanding safety implications, minimizing riskin design process and alerting customers to any other potential dangers.

Although the NHTSA recommendation does not carry the weightof law, the move could rekindle state and local efforts to ban use of wirelessphones and other communications gear while driving. Crash victims' attorneyscould also leverage the agency's advice in cases alleging communication companies'role or fault in automobile accidents.

Reactions from industry groups stayed static: education, notlegislation. We do still believe that existing legislation is sufficient todeal with any irresponsible driving, says CTIA spokeswoman Lisa Ihde.

Built in communications systems in cars are expected to sellbig in the future. The Strategis Grouppredicts revenues will reach almost $2 billion by 2004. For more informationon telematics and wireless safety, log onto Wireless Week's WirelessIssues 101.