Research conducted by motoring website, ContractHireAndLeasing.com reveals that children are by far the biggest distraction to drivers. When website visitors were asked what they found most distracting whilst driving, child passengers came top by a significant margin, taking over half of the vote (53%). In second place "taking hands-free phone calls" polled a measly 18% of the vote.

As such ContractHireAndLeasing.com says that advice should be given to drivers to help them plan journeys made with children so that they become aware of the need to make sure children are adequately catered for before setting off on a journey.

In addition with 14% of drivers rating other adult passengers as a distraction, the company says that such passengers need to be considerate to the task which the driver is undertaking to allow the driver to give full attention to the road.

Richard Lawton of ContractHireAndLeasing.com said: 'Undoubtedly people require 100% mental focus when behind the steering wheel. Ensuring that children have some form of entertainment in the car is one of the best things you can do to try and keep them from misbehaving whilst in the car.'