Nearly half of UK drivers regularly flout the law by texting whilst at the wheel, new figures show.

A RAC Foundation survey of more than 2,000 Facebook users has alarmingly revealed that 45 per cent of British drivers use short message services (SMS) whilst driving.

It also revealed that just 11 per cent of motorists turn off their phones or switch them to mute - leaving 89 per cent of drivers open to the distractions caused by mobile phones.

Motorists receive a £60 fine and three penalty points for using their mobile phone whilst driving, which includes texting and driving.

It was discovered in the survey that the young and techno savvy were more likely to text and drive in congested parts of the country, and that the level of texting whilst driving differs throughout the UK.

It is highest in London (53 per cent), and Manchester (50 per cent), and lowest in Aberdeen (31 per cent), Edinburgh (36 per cent), Bristol (36 per cent) and Glasgow (38 per cent).

Elizabeth Dainton, research development manager for the RAC Foundation, said: "The survey clearly demonstrates that a large proportion of UK drivers are breaking the law by texting and driving.

"Many young people may not be aware that it is illegal to text and drive and how it places them and other road users in potential danger. Urgent action is needed to address this increasing problem, especially as the 'Y' generation, who have grown up with technology and computers, begin to take to the road.

"It is really hard to do two things at once. Using a mobile phone whilst driving means you are four times more likely to have a crash. If you have an accident whilst texting and driving, you can be prosecuted for not using due care and attention.”

She added: "Our message is clear - texting whilst driving is not safe. Motorists should switch off their mobile phones when driving or put them on silent mode.

"It takes away the temptation to read or reply to a text message whilst on the move. Messages can easily be picked up at the end of the journey or during a break. Master your phone - don't be a slave to the SMS!"

The article Do you text and drive? originally appeared on 999 Today