Of course I don't think holding the phone is the problem. You can drop a phone in second if you really need to use your hand. The problem is what lead to you being in a snafu anyway. That being that your attention was divided. As much as people like to think they can effectively multi-task, the fact remains that if you're having an active conversation with someone a portion of your mind is devoted to the call. For most people the majority of their attention goes to the call and the driving is essentially on auto-pilot.
Unfortunately the only way to get around this would be to ban cell phone use in cars are maybe some time limit set by software. Of course then you'd have an even bigger public outcry. So we're stuck with what we got.
By safe...

 

Donald Trump made billions without a cell phone so unnless it's an actual "life and death" emergency I think we can and should just put off talking on the phone when operating a 4000 lb machine.

 

hello from the travelers inn