Car distractions can have "fatal consequences"

Car insurance policies take into account any penalties issued to drivers and premiums rise accordingly. In fact, the company states that those with convictions for driving carelessly may have to pay 26 per cent more for their policies. The investigations revealed that the most common type of distraction for drivers was the radio, as 77 per cent would take their eyes off the road to change stations. In addition, many of these motorists also admitted to changing CDs while attempting to drive, which could drastically reduce reaction time and cause accidents to occur. Other common habits carried out by motorists include eating behind the wheel, which 26 per cent described as a distracting activity.Drivers who travel with children in their cars may like to make sure they bring toys and activities for youngsters in order to keep them occupied on journeys. Some 34 per cent of car users reported that they lost concentration while looking after the needs of young travellers while they were on the road.Despite laws introduced to cut mobile phone use nearly a third of motorists taking part in the study said they still used their devices when driving. Andy Leadbetter, managing director of the company, urged motorists to pay more attention when they were driving in order to make roads safer and reduce insurance premiums