PITTSBURGH -- What are the chances you'll be involved in an accident if you're talking on a cell phone while driving? Police in Pennsylvania began tracking those statistics two years ago. Target 11 obtained the statistics for the first year and they show that cell phones contribute to one in every 200 accidents.

It's a common site on Pittsburgh streets -- motorists talking on hand-held cell phones. It's against the law in New York, and here, it's an issue that's divided drivers.

Ellen Richard won't use a cell phone while she's driving.
"I think it's absolutely ridiculous, she said. "I don't do it. I have one and I will not talk on it. It's for emergencies only."

But David Belko doesn't think a ban is the answer. "Ban the cell phones, ban everything else. Two hands on the wheel, don't look at your kids, don't drink your coffee -- it will never happen," Belko said.

According to the Department of Transportation, of the 131,348 total accidents recorded, cell phones were a contributing factor in 633, or .5 percent. There were two fatalities. Meanwhile, other distractions accounted for nearly 9,000 accidents and 22 fatalities.

Sen. Jane Orie, who has co-sponsored a bill to ban hand-held cell phones, admitted she'll have a tough time passing the legislation based on the statistics.

"I think the will of the Legislature is to wait and see more data on this. I mean, there's conflicting data on this," Orie said.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates drivers talking on cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in an accidentas those who don't. And the California Highway Patrol discovered cell phones were the second-leading cause of accidents in southern California.

But, a study by the Automobile Association of America and the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Center discovered other distractions were far more prevalent. Researchers used in-car video cameras to monitor driver behavior. The No. 1 distraction was reaching or leaning, followed by changing the radio. Cell phones were near the bottom of the list.

Peter Kissinger said, "We seem obsessed with cell phone distractions, but in reality, there are many other distractions that are far more serious."

Patricia Tatrai said, "I definitely think my cell phone's not my biggest distraction. Putting on makeup is worse."

While there's conflicting data on the impact on cell phones, the nation's largest wireless company supports legislation that requires drivers to use a hands-free system.

Craig Fowler said, "Once you do that, it's like you're having a conversation. You don't have to pick up the phone or manipulate it."

Terry Onufer said, "We lost a teacher, a friend and a wrestling coach."

Terry Onufer's friend was hit and killed by a driver talking on a cell phone last year in Butler County. Since then, he's been lobbying lawmakers to ban hand held cell phones.

"We lost a teacher, a friend and a wrestling coach," Onufer said. "If we can save one life or one injury, I believe the legislation is worth it."