No, where I live it is illegal to use a phone for most of those (without hands-free methods). When occasionally I need a map with directions, I load it up and set the phone in place before leaving, so I never need to touch it. Sometimes I ask my phone ("Hey Google") to read my texts if I am on a long drive. But other than that, I never use it. This is the ideal (and again, the law in many places).

I take your point in that the built-in touchscreen is no worse for people who already text and drive, but we absolutely should be aiming for better. I certainly don't want to be forced to use a touchscreen for changing the AC settings, defogging the windshield, etc...

In the UK it’s illegal to touch your phone while driving (with some exceptions around hands free kits and payments). Even for things that are legal, the Highway Code is clear that you do not touch your radio while driving. I’d presume it would take a dim view of playing with other non-critical functions.

So no, just because it’s on your wheel, that doesn’t make it “safe.”

It’s illegal to hold not touch. It is specifically legal to use your phone (in a safe manner) in say a wind screen mount [0].

[0] https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

That’s why I mentioned hands free.

My clarification was in regards to the word touch, as it has very different implications to hold.

Who in their right mind uses a phone when driving ?

Not more dangerous than clearly dangerous is a low bar.

No. Using a phone while you're driving is peak stupid. I keep both hands on the wheel unless I'm operating the shifter or touching a knob, then both hands go back. This is how you are supposed to drive. If you need to take a call or change where you are navigating, you pull off in a gas station or parking lot for the couple of minutes needed before going back on the road.

The world will not end if you are not accessible via internet-based communications for an hour or less. You can wait to answer that text message.