Mobile devices 'a major distraction' on the road

All motorists know the dangers of using mobiles behind the wheel, but new research has shown that even hearing a phone ring can cause major distraction.

Insurer esure carried out a simulator study in which 20 per cent of motorists took their attention from the road for more than seven seconds after hearing their mobile go off.

It found that a ringing phone causes drivers to look away for 2.2 seconds longer than they would in standard driving conditions.

And this is without actually answering it, or checking an incoming text message.

The survey also showed that 22 per cent of UK motorists have used their phone whilst driving, even though 65 per cent believe it is irresponsible to do so.

Stuart Vann, chief executive of esure, said the findings are very concerning.

"So many drivers are putting themselves, their passengers and other road users at risk by simply having a ringing, beeping, flashing mobile in the car, even if they don't answer it," he remarked.