According to 2002-written government documents made public, on Tuesday, by two public interest groups - Public Citizen and the Center for Auto Safety - the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) had acknowledged the risks drivers could face as a result of distractions caused by cell phones.

The document, 'kept under wraps' thus far, was accessed by the two interest groups during the course of a lawsuit citing the Freedom of Information Act. It reveals that the US federal transportation safety agency was suggesting a 'total ban' on cell phone use for drivers - including the use of hands-free headsets.

The recently-released document reveals that it is inconsequential whether commuters hold their cell phones in hand or use hands-free devises. The document notes that, as per statistics, 'chatting while driving slows reaction time.'

The report clearly states: "We are convinced that legislation forbidding the use of handheld cell phones while driving may not be effective in improving highway safety since it will not address the problem. In fact, such legislation may erroneously imply that hands-free phones are safe to use while driving!"

Commenting on the NHTSA document, Clarence Ditlow - Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety - said: "This is the worst case I've ever seen in the history of the Department of Transportation for failing to reveal a safety hazard."