New drivers are under a number of restrictions under the graduated licensing program, but some are calling for tougher rules to cut down on distractions that cause crashes.

The Canadian Automobile Association (C.A.A.) is calling on the government to make it illegal for novice drivers to use a cellphone or shuffle through their iPod while behind the wheel.

"We don't want their minds taken off the driving task and we want them to keep their hands on the wheel," said C.A.A. President David Flewelling.

"The objective of all these restrictions is try to make the driving experience for novice drivers as risk-free, or less risky, as possible."

The group believes that by banning the use of electronic devices, such as MP3 players and wireless handheld gadgets, new drivers can truly focus on the road.

Flewelling cited a report released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in April that suggests that as many as eight out of every 10 crashes are caused by some sort of distraction.

Newfoundland and Labrador is the only Canadian jurisdiction to ban handheld cellphone use while driving, but there have been many calls in other provinces to make yakking on the phone illegal while behind the wheel.

Ontario Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield said the C.A.A.'s proposal is worth consideration, but she wouldn't make any promises.

"Maybe this is an additional restriction that should be considered," she said.

Toronto driving instructor Shafique Malik likes the C.A.A.'s suggestion, but would like to take it one step further. He'd like to see handheld cellphone use banned for every driver.

"Even a second or two seconds taking your eyes away from the road or not paying attention could lead to a very serious collision," he said.