Dangerous and illegal

A new survey from road safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line reveals around half of drivers aged 25-34 are taking huge risks by texting, using apps or going online on their mobiles when they are behind the wheel.

More than half (55%) of 25-34 year old drivers questioned admitted they had sent or read a text message on their mobile, while behind the wheel of their car, in the last year.

Despite it being illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone at all while driving, more than four in 10 revealed they send or read messages at least once a week.

One in five young drivers (18-24) confirmed they regularly text and/or instant message when they are behind the wheel. And just under half of drivers aged 25-34 admitted they sometimes go online when driving.