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Motorists check Facebook and Twitter updates while driving

Research from the RAC today found that the number of drivers distracted by their phones whilst driving has increased from last year.

The 2010 RAC report on Motoring found that out of 1,150 motorists surveyed, 53% admit that they take their eyes off the road when their phone rings to see who the call is from.  Furthermore, 45% admit to seeing who a text is from.

Driven to distraction

The increasing popularity of (internet-enabled) smartphones means that more people are able to log on to social networking websites, check email and log on to other websites when they are on the move.  Many of the applications on smartphones can notify a person of new social network updates and instant messages.

The research found that 21% are likely to check social network updates from the likes of Twitter and Facebook.  Overall, email was found to be the most popular application to check on the go.  Google Maps, Music, Photos and Facebook were also amongst the most popular applications.

This is all despite it being illegal to use a mobile whilst driving, or “when the vehicle is stationary in a lay-by, traffic jam, traffic lights or at the side of the road, with the engine running,” says the RAC.

Have you ever used your mobile whilst driving, to take calls or view social network updates? Leave your comments below.