The law might say that (that's step 1 in the culture change). But the police won't arrest. And if the police arrest, the prosecutors won't charge. And if the prosecutors charge, a judge/jury won't convict. Every one of those people along the way think "there, but for the grace of god, go I". They all drive to work, fussing with their phones while doing it, and just can't bring themselves to consider it a crime. It really is very much like drunk driving in that way.
I don’t doubt what you say, but I’m flabbergasted that phone use really is that common.
I’ve probably used my phone 5 times while driving in the last two years, and I can’t imagine why anyone would need to do it more than that. I do rely on CarPlay and Siri massively.
Dunno where you live, but if you are in North America: take a look around next time you are waiting at a red light, or stopped on the highway in traffic. Look for all the people staring at their laps -- they are not contemplating their navels.
https://www.dailynews.com/2014/08/27/no-charges-for-lasd-dep...
https://www.scribd.com/document/237940150/Official-document-...