Using a cell phone while driving has the same effect as having a blood alcohol level of 0.8, but research from the University of Washington found that simply thinking about receiving a call or a text message while driving a car can increase the risk of an accident.  

Researchers surveyed undergraduate students at the University of Washington on their cell phone attachment, then cross referenced that data with the survey participants' driving records and monitored them across three years.  

The group of participants who scored in the lowest quartile - those least attached to their phones - logged 25 crashes per 100 people per year.  Those in the top quartile logged 38 crashes per 100 people per year.