Yiu know what I also think contributes to this epidemic? The fact that cars are becoming so much more automated and cater to the innattentive drivers. Blindspot sensors, reverse cameras, automatic parking etc etc etc. Hell even automatic transmission. All of this engraining the idea of lazy vehicular control into the minds of the population. Don't get me wrong some of that can be helpful and I do know a couple friends who drive stick few of which use their phone and drive, but for the most part, all these things makes going on your phone whilst driving as tempting and easy as going on your phone whilst riding the bus.
No one's engaged with the road anymore and it shows.