A US federal agency has recommended an out-and-out ban on the use of cellphones, including hands-free devices, while driving.

In its new report released December 13, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urged states to prohibit the use of cellphones and other portable electronic devices while driving as their use distracts drivers' attention and could lead to accident.

The five-member board added that hands-free devices, which allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, should also be banned as they too distract drivers' attention and delays their reaction times.

Use of cellphones by drivers is already banned in nine states, while texting behind the wheel is prohibited in thirty-five states in the US.

David Adkins, chief executive of The Council of State Governments, said that states would likely not embrace the NTSB's recommendation put a complete ban on the use of cellphones and other electronic devices while driving.

Speaking on the topic, Adkins said, "I don't believe most state lawmakers would say (the NTSB recommendation) is viable."

But, Joe Simitian, a State Senator from California who successfully got a law passed in 2006 that bans drivers from talking on hand-held devices while driving, described the board's recommendation as a wake-up call against the dangers of unfocused driving.

The NTSB can only make recommendations. It has no power to force states to pass such laws.