The call comes as the charity supports the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Mobile Enforcement Campaign, running this week.

Drivers using their phone, whether handheld or hands-free, are four times more likely to crash, potentially injuring or killing themselves or other people.

Nick Lloyd, RoSPA’s road safety manager, said: “Imagine you are travelling at 40mph in a residential area, the phone rings and you pick it up and have a quick look – in the two seconds it’s taken, you will have travelled for around 40 metres, completely blind.

“Hit a pedestrian at that speed and they will suffer life-changing injuries or worse – and you will live with the consequences for the rest of your life.”

He added: “If you know someone is driving, please don’t pick up the phone to them until they have finished their journey – it could lead to tragedy.”