I think this is mostly a regional problem. In some parts of the world, you'd be arrested for using your phone while driving -- and quite right too!

This danger can be largely (unfortunately not totally) mitigated just by passing laws to prohibit dangerous driving, and enforcing them sensibly. It also helps if people agree that the rules are sensible and self-police them -- as happens in many countries with seat belts, for example.

I agree that self-driving cars should improve safety, but the idea that they're the only way to improve safety is just wrong.