The country's two cellphone giants want a ban on text messaging and talking on hand-held mobile phones while driving.
But the Government says it has no plans to change the law.
Vodafone and Telecom yesterday called for a law change to stop drivers using their phones behind the
wheel.
Vodafone spokesman Raphael Hilbron said a ban would be the tipping point to get people to do the right thing.
"People know it to be wrong, but because it's not illegal, perhaps there's not as much stigma attached to it and people think, 'Well, I'll do it because it's convenient'."
He said some of his company's customers might oppose the ban.
"But I think that if a ban is going to help save lives and improve road safety then we are happy to put up with the criticism.
"You could argue that we'd be losing revenue by people not spending money on their phones, but it's better to keep people alive."
Mr Hilbron said the company supported the use of hands-free kits for voice calls.
The issue has resurfaced following this week's sentencing of 20-year-old dairy worker Robert John Stonestreet for killing an elderly couple near Ashburton last year while texting and driving under the influence of alcohol.
In the Christchurch District Court, Judge John Bisphan said Parliament should consider making use of cellphones while driving illegal.
A Telecom spokesman said the company would support any moves to ban text messaging and using hand-held phones while driving.
"To avoid any distractions, using a mobile phone while driving is not advisable," he said.
Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven said yesterday that a ban on text messaging and using hand-held mobiles while driving was not on the Government's work programme.
But there was a proposal for action on driving distractions, including text messaging, adjusting iPods and talking on hand-held mobiles.
He said more figures were needed on accidents involving mobile phones and distractions in general, which were being collected by the police.
