might as well poll car manufacturers to start making isolated drivers cabs!
That's actually not a bad idea, IMO.
Lock the kids, etc. away in a separate compartment. It doesn't matter what they do on the way home, if they aren't distracting the driver they have a better chance of making it home.
Yes, drivers must multitask but, again, drawing from flying experience, you have to be capable of managing and prioritising those tasks, not just accomplishing each one poorly. "Above all, fly the aircraft" is a frequently used expression. It means that it doesn't matter if you're lost, unaware of airspace restrictions around you, talking to people on the radio, etc. if the flying gets demanding, you put away your maps, radios, etc. and concentrate on getting yourself back on the ground in one piece, because that's ultimately your highest priority.
If you're on a deserted motorway, driving probably gives you the opportunity to achieve other tasks safely but when you enter suburbia you need 100% concentration on the road. Problem is, a phone call, especially if it's important, stressful or work-related, is a very difficult thing to shove to the back of your mind when you realise you need to shift some of your concentration back to your driving.
Kevin