CHICAGO --Experts say the use of technology behind the wheel is getting out of hand, with safety experts warning it's time to put the brakes on cell phone use.
As Americans become more and more strapped for time, theyre starting to do more business in the car, which turns into some kind of "mobile office."
Take one look around in rush hour and youll see it: commuters are more than ignoring Chicagos cell phone ban. They're working, texting and even writing before they get to the office.
With studies showing Chicagoans sit in traffic more than ever, the pressure to multi-task is on.
"(My car) is literally like a little office," said Matt Boyle, who NBC5 found working with a pen and notepads behind the wheel.
When asked if he ever feels like its just too much craziness, he said, "Yes, to some degree it does. You've got to pull over so you can write stuff down."
"Unfortunately, there's no laws against it," said Clare Pfotenhaeur, a state police safety education expert. "Some are driving with their knees, have their cell phone and computer on. You drive up and down the road and see it constantly."
State police said a drunk driver who caused a fatal accident on the Eisenhower last March said he was texting his wife.
Highway officials estimate driver distraction accounts for up to 50 percent of highway collisions. Take your eyes off the road for just two seconds, and your chances of crashing doubles.
"You need to have a technology law that says, you know what? If it's not pertaining to the actual physical control of this vehicle, you can't use it," Pfotenhaeur said.
The messages are mixed -- just as police warn against all this, drivers can buy office organizers and even a laptop made just for their cars.
"Phones (are) one problem, but start adding text messaging and Blackberry, (and) it's a mess. You can't do it," said multitasker Michael Kennedy, who now moves from the board room to the back seat, working on the go.
But for his own safety and convenience, he hires a driver who carts him around.
"To be able to concentrate on the phone not split focus makes me safer person," said Kennedy.
John Iandola, with WeDriveU.com, said his company offers an alternative to the stress level of driving yourself while trying to conduct business.
The risks are so high, Illinois lawmakers have just created a new task force on distracted driving and are expected to recommend tougher laws. Several other states have or are moving forward with similar measures.
Experts say the bottom line is that you should never do anything that takes your eyes and ears off the road.
On The Net:
Illinois S.O.S. On Distracted DrivingWeDriveU.com Personal ChauffeursAAA Distracted Driving Brochure (Large File)Copyright 2007 byNBC5.com. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 
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