Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says it would not be practical to ban the use of hands-free devices to make calls while driving.

Officials with SGI, the provincial agency overseeing driving regulations and insurance, acknowledge that using hands-free devices while driving is just as dangerous as holding a cellphone to one's ear.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall told reporters on Monday that it's not enforceable to ban the use of hands-free devices to make phone calls while driving.Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall told reporters on Monday that it's not enforceable to ban the use of hands-free devices to make phone calls while driving. (CBC)

Saskatchewan has banned the use of using hand-held electronic devices while driving. The penalty for talking or texting on a hand-held cellphone behind the wheel is $280 and four demerit points.

But Wall, who says he talks on his hands-free device, warned that banning the devices is not enforceable.

"You can't have a law for everything. You can't pass a law to get people to stop running with scissors," Wall said Monday.

"This is a serious issue, but we need to be able to say at some point it's up to individuals to be careful when they drive."

RCMP have said that in 2010, there were nearly 8,500 collisions involving distracted driving, resulting in 60 deaths and more than 2,300 injuries.

Wall said there are a lot of distractions on the road, but at some point it is the responsibility of drivers to ensure they are driving carefully.

"Governments can do more in terms of education, and I think you will see us do that through SGI," he said.

SGI recommends that drivers pull over to the side of the road safely before they make phone calls.