Headsets, speakerphones, voice recognition make it safer to drive and dial.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

What's that guy doing, wearing a headset while driving? Well, he's on his cell phone, and he's not going to apologize for it.

To make it easier _ and safer _ to gab while he's on the go, Brad Larson of Minneapolis plugs a headset into his cell phone. With the headset on, he avoids compromising his vision by scrunching the phone against an ear, he says.

He also has programmed his Samsung phone to dial a dozen or so frequently called numbers by voice. He just says who it is that he wants to speak to and the phone dials the number.

"I get looks from people," says Larson, referring to his headset. "But if you're going to be on your phone, you should have a headset or speakerphone, then you can have both hands on the wheel. And the sound is better on the headset. There's a lot less, 'What did you say?' "

Under pressure to make sure subscribers aren't reckless on the road, wireless firms promote an array of tools and services that make cell-phone use in cars easier _ and hopefully safer.

Last year, 27 states considered bills to restrict or prohibit cell-phone use in cars, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. So far, though, only a few states have enacted laws targeting cell phones. Massachusetts, Florida and California have imposed minor restrictions. (Massachusetts law, for instance, says that cell-phone use cannot interfere with vehicle operation and drivers must keep at least one hand on the steering wheel at all times.)

Many wireless providers and phone manufacturers caution subscribers about situations in which it's inappropriate to be on the phone, reiterating the message in manuals, in-store displays and radio, TV and newspaper ads.