The push is on to keep people away from their hand held devices while driving.
But a new study, by the Institute of Highway Loss Data, has some puzzling results.
It found that laws banning their use while behind the wheel have not led to fewer crashes.
"Laws by themselves will not have impact. There are no silver bullets," said Jonathan Adkins of the National Governors’ Association.
Close to 20 states have passed no texting laws or put restrictions on cell phone use while driving.
Starting this week, big federal fines on any driver of a large truck or bus caught sending or reading text messages behind the wheel.
"We don't merely expect you to share the road responsibly with other travelers - we require you to do so," said Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.
Common sense tells you texting and cell phone use while driving is a risk and several studies have shown that.
The Highway Loss Data research compared insurance claims for crash damage in four jurisdictions before and after bans were enacted.
Data was also collected in nearby areas without bans.
"We do know laws, at least the hand-held bans, are working to reduce number of people who are talking on their hand-held phone, but we don't see a comparable reduction in crashes. In fact, we see no effect," Adrian Lund of the Institute of Highway Loss Data.
Distracted driving in general is a traffic safety issue the experts say must be addressed.
A work in progress, to help keep the roads safer.
Researchers with the Institute of Highway Loss Data are trying to figure out why their findings don't match up with what we already know about the risk.
The president of the institute will present the information at the Society of Automotive Engineers meeting in Washington, DC, Friday.
