It seems that the distraction caused by modern-day smartphones is causing young drivers to suffer potentially dangerous lapses in concentration.
A shocking new survey has revealed that a large percentage of young drivers admit that smartphone apps are causing them to be increasingly distracted at the wheel.
The car insurance brand specifically for young drivers, ingenie, carried out a survey of 1,000 young drivers across the UK.
Perhaps the most striking statistic to come out of the survey is that 58% of 17-25 year old drivers admit smartphone apps cause them and other young drivers to be distracted when driving.
ingenie founder and CEO, Richard King, commented on the findings, "We're increasingly using smartphones to occupy ourselves during down time, but driving is an active pursuit and it really does need our full attention.
"As well as not texting or making calls, we should all pledge not to tweet, update our status or be tempted by anything else our phone has to offer whilst driving."
Over 40% of those surveyed also admitted to answering their phone without a hands-free set while driving.
In addition, 62% said they have read a text message, and 44% said they have even sent one.
With regards to Facebook, one third of drivers aged under-25 who have a such an account have admitted using it on their phone whilst driving.
The survey was commissioned by ingenie as part of its #DontDriveDistracted campaign on Twitter. The campaign is designed to promote awareness on the roads and ultimately reduce accidents.
A recent report carried out at the University of Leeds revealed that eating, drinking and using a mobile phone device can all be potentially fatal distractions for drivers.
