MADISON, Wis. -- New laws could crack down on cell phone use by Wisconsin drivers.

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A number of states have laws allowing only hands-free cell phone use by drivers, but a Madison doctor said that he doesn't think it goes far enough, WISC-TV reported.

"Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of cell phone use by drivers is totally unnecessary," said Dr. William Scheckler, of St. Mary's Hospital.

Scheckler said that the distraction of a cell phone conversation can make driver forget basic driving skills.

"Both hands on the wheel and pay attention because somebody out there is going to do something stupid. And this time, it's probably somebody who's on a cell phone," he said.

Sheckler, an epidemiologist, has worked in public heath for years and said that inappropriate use of cell phones is the next public health crisis, especially for new and young drivers.

"We ought to be ahead of the curve as this technology gets more and more into our everyday life," said Sheckler.

Others said that cell phones weren't the only thing causing problems, WISC-TV reported.

"The problem is bigger than cell phones. Cell phones aren't the only culprit," said Robert Shorette, owner of a Mobile One Wireless store.

Despite his conflicts of interest, Shorette said that cell phones could cause problems.

"To be honest with you, lately it's getting a little worse," said Shorette.

He said that even if Wisconsin bans all use of cell phones while driving, it would only be a boon to his business.

"To be honest with you, what would most likely happen is that hands free device sales will probably go up. You'll probably have people just trying to conceal it," said Shorette.

Whether or not drivers conceal cell phone use, Scheckler said that it comes down to what's most important at any given moment

"Life and death? Which one? People that are around you when you're driving? Or the one that's trying to call you on the phone," said Shorette.

Scheckler's proposal to ban all cell phone use already has the backing of the Dane County Medical Society. The idea goes before the state medical society at the end of the month.

He is also talking with state legislators about drafting a cell phone ban bill.

Wisconsin currently has no laws on cell phone use by drivers, but there are two bills pending in the state Legislature, WISC-TV reported.

Those bills are:

• Assembly Bill 38 creates penalties for drivers using a cell phone at the time of an accident and requires police to report cell phone use on accident reports.
• Assembly Bill 214 would prohibit cell phone use by drivers with learner's permits or probationary licenses including hands-free cell phone use.