A company which offers breakdown recovery services and insurance for young drivers has warned of the emergence of a new generation of motorists who do not realise the dangers of texting and driving.
Around 50% of young motorists have admitted that they had been unable to resist a peek at their mobile phones while behind the wheel. This is despite repeated warnings of the dangers faced by people who fail to keep their minds on the road.
The Campaigns Director for road safety charity Brake said, "People who text, use the web or social networking when driving are taking enormous risks with their own and other people's lives.
"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."
The scale of the problem is highlighted by statistics showing that 23% of drivers aged 18-24 have risked their lives and young driver insurance by reading emails while driving. Furthermore, 8% said that they had played games on their mobile phones while navigating the roads.
A considerable proportion of novice motorists said they would fully support the enforcement of stricter penalties for people who ignore the UK's road laws. Some believe that irresponsible motorists should have to pay more for insurance for young drivers.