you'r not in control...cause you're in neutral... so in order you get in control, you press clutch ..and shift into gear. i assume the logic is that you will be able to quickly accelerate and maneuver to avoid accidents easier.....

"13 AAC 02.515. Coasting Prohibited
The driver of a motor vehicle, when traveling upon a highway, may not drive the vehicle with its gears or transmission in neutral, with its clutch disengaged, or otherwise cause the vehicle to coast. "

thats a quote from a state law book...