Drivers can't put down their phones

Almost a third of motorists are putting their chances of getting cheap car insurance in jeopardy by using a mobile phone while driving, according to a new survey.

The survey from moneysupermarket.com has found that 30 per cent of motorists admit to illegally using their mobile phone when behind the wheel.

Being caught completing this act will not only lead them to three penalty points on their driving licence and a £60 fine, but could also increase a car insurance quote by as much as 54 per cent.

Further results found that 21 per cent of respondents admitted to either reading or writing a text message while driving.

Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "We're a nation of mobile lovers and can't seem to let go of our phones even while driving.

"However, it's been illegal to use a hand-held mobile for nearly five years and whether it's to read a text or simply answering just to let the caller know you are driving, diverting your attention from the road for even a second can be catastrophic."

Those aged in their 20s were found by the research to be most likely to use a mobile while driving.

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