Mobile Phone Usage Law

[99_falcon]

I know talkin on a mobile phone in Australia has been a no no for a while now and here in New Zealand that law has only come into force since the start of November. What I'm interested in finding out is what other people think of this law. Is it something that is going to decrease the road death toll? Do you think that driving while talking is a distraction and takes your mind off whats happening around your car? Do hands-free devices actually allow you to concentrait on driving or not? Recently I watched the episode on Mythbusters where they put the myth that driving while talking on your mobile phone is as dangerous as driving while drunk and it seemed like it was.
Also, do you think talking to the person beside you can be distracting, especially if you cant always hear what they are saying. Now on the open road there isn't always a lot to look out for but what about in a busy city?

I'm interested in finding out what others think.