28% of drivers text at the wheel and 8% do this at least once a week, according to a survey conducted by Brake, the road safety charity, and Direct Line.
The survey of 841 drivers also revealed that 9% of drivers surf the web, check emails and use apps or social networking sites while driving.
According to Brake, texting has been found to make drivers 23 times more likely to cause a crash, while using a phone to email or surf the web also causes serious distractions.
Brake blames ‘smart phone addiction’; citing a recent Ofcom report which warned of increasing levels of addiction in the UK, whereby some people are unable to go without checking their phones for a short period of time, or even through the night.
Julie Townsend, Brake campaigns director, said: “People who text, use the web or social networking when driving are taking enormous risks with their own and other people’s lives.
“We are concerned that the increasing uptake of this technology could lead to more crashes and casualties caused by distracted drivers, as is happening in the US.
“It is vital that the Government acts now to prevent an upsurge in distracted driving, and it’s vital that drivers listen to these warnings and make a pledge to never use their phone when driving.”
For more information contact Ellen Booth on 01484 550067.
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