It was common in the UK too until it was made illegal [1], still happens, but less so.
1. https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law
1. https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law
I've discussed this with a lot of people, and the general conclusion is that "nobody cares anymore". Not drivers, not police, nobody.
I'm not surprised there is a rise in roadway deaths. I feel some of it is due to the form factor of the cars on the road, but some must be how people just don't care anymore, and I'm not sure how to address that, when even the police don't seem to care.