Americans believe using cellular phones while driving can be distracting and lead to more accidents, but believe laws against the practice would likely be ignored, according to an insurance industry survey. The survey of 1,000 adults, conducted for the Insurance Research Council by Roper Starch Worldwide, found that 91 percent of those surveyed believed talking on a cell phone while driving distracts drivers and increases the chance of accidents. Sixty-nine percent said they favored bans on talking on a cell phone while driving. However, only 35 percent said they believed that such laws would be obeyed. Driver distraction is a growing concern in the auto industry as companies offer more telematics in vehicles. Several states have considered banning cell-phone use while driving; some municipalities have already done so. "These contrary conclusions really are at the heart of the cell phone debate in this country," said Dave Golden, director of commercial lines for the National Association of Independent Insurers. "It's difficult for lawmakers and industry groups to propose meaningful solutions for distracted driving when it appears the public is apparently saying one thing and doing another." The survey found fewer people saying they used their phone while driving, with 42 percent saying they do, down from 61 percent in a similar survey three years ago. Researchers said they weren't sure if the decline was due to a change in practice, or if fewer people were willing to admit it. The survey, conducted between Sept. 6 and 14, 2000, has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.