That’s according to a nationwide survey by automotive website Motoring.co.uk that also reveals also revealed that 43% of motorists would not hesitate to use their mobile phone while behind the wheel. The survey of 1,188 drivers also highlighted that almost a quarter of motorists (24%) use their mobile phones while driving at high speeds.

Terry Hogan, Motoring.co.uk’s managing director, said: “We understand that mobile phone use is a huge part of our everyday lives, but it’s evident from this survey that drivers underestimate how much they are distracted by them. This may come as a worry to firms that rely on a fleet of drivers to carry out their business, but fortunately car manufacturers are responding with more sophisticated technology integration. In the meantime, it’s clear that better driver education is needed, as well as harsher penalties.” 

He added: “We appreciate the honesty of the people who completed our survey and understand that many of them are safe and capable drivers. However, a large percentage clearly aren’t understanding the dangers and we hope that these results will make motorists realise that a mobile phone is a potentially lethal weapon. We want to bring the love of driving back to peoples’ journeys and this won’t happen unless our roads are made safer.”