Making a phone call while driving is dangerous - it could cause an accident to one's self or an innocent bystander, or worse, even death. Not surprisingly, many drivers took up the option of hands-free texting, but according to a new report, hands-free texting might be more dangerous than making a phone call. Yes, it does sound preposterous, but there might be some sense to it all.

The study was conducted by the American Automobile Association. Though the group did not come up with solid evidence proving that hands free texting is more dangerous than making a phone call, yet it said that even while texting through hands-free systems such as Ford Sync and Toyota Entune, drivers were more distracted than ever, even more so when compared to a driver listening to music, making a phone call or talking with a passenger.

Hands-free technology apparently slows the reaction in drivers who uses it; it also compromises brain functions that could make for a driver not seeing certain things on the road such as pedestrians and stop signs.

"This study constitutes the most in-depth analysis to date of mental distractions behind the wheel. AAA is hopeful that it will serve as a stepping stone toward working in collaboration with automakers to promote our shared goal of improving safety for all drivers," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet . "Specifically, these increasingly common voice-driven, in-vehicle technologies should be limited to use for just core driving tasks unless the activity results in no significant driver distraction."

As cars become smarter as the years go by, the AAA is urging the government to put in place strict limitations on what it calls "new and potentially dangerous mental distractions built into cars."