In what way is talking on the phone a different cognitive load that talking to a passenger?

After googling the 8th or 10th result had a link to the study I assume you are referencing.

I just don't agree with you. I believe that there is risk when driving inherently although relatively low and a 400% increase from 0.0001 to 0.0004 does not really concern me.

I have been in one accident in 15 years and I was not at fault and it was unavoidable.

Many people engage in all sorts of distracted driving, texting, eating, driving while tired etc. which I would wager are more detrimental than speaking on the phone.

Having your one bone to pick being speaking on the phone just seems absurd and an odd message to preach when nearly everyone does it.