New analysis from Rooster Insurance found 34 percent of drivers admitted to using their phone to type messages and even take calls while behind the wheel. A total of 17 percent of drivers who admitted to using their phones did so to check a message or notification flashing up on their screen.
A further 16 percent said they checked their phone to check something before reaching a destination with 11 percent admitting this was to simply pass the time.
Nearly one in ten admitted to using their device simply out of boredom with five percent saying they did this out of habit.
Drivers have been warned they can be fined up to £200 and given six penalty points if they are caught using their phone behind the wheel.
However, new data from Rooster Insurance has also revealed drivers are regularly driving carelessly on the road even if they were not breaking laws.
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One in ten drivers admitted to tailgating, or driving too closely, to other vehicles despite the risk of a collision.
A total of 13 percent of motorists admitted to driving when tired while nine percent admitting to putting their makeup on or doing their hair while behind the wheel.
A further 11 percent confessed to regularly eating behind the wheel despite this likely to distract a road user.
Another 11 percent of motorists admitted they tend to brake too heavily either every day or every week despite the increased risk of a crash.
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Richard Tucker, founder at Rooster Insurance has urged road users to always pull over if they are distracted to ensure drivers are not putting themselves at risk.
He said: “Some of the riskiest driving behaviours our data has flagged up are to be expected and there are laws in place to deter people from doing them.
“But there were a number of surprising things on the list which are perfectly legal, and as a result many will be exhibiting completely innocently.
“Surprising things like heavy braking, driving when tired or late at night may not seem unsafe, but they can significantly increase the risk of an accident and aren’t worth the risk.
“Be sure to avoid any distractions in the car and drive at a time when you feel awake and alert.
“If you need to check your phone or make an urgent call, pull over at the side of the road in a safe place.
“This will allow you to focus solely on the task in hand instead of dangerously trying to juggle using your phone and concentrating on the road at the same time.”
In some cases, drivers can still be issued a penalty for careless or dangerous driving for making simple road mistakes.
According to the AA, motorists can be issued a dangerous driving charge when their standard of driving falls “far below the standard expected”.
This can be through driving too fast, overtaking dangeorusly or driving when you are unfit.
Although, this can also include distracted driving such as talking to passengers, looking at a map or tuning a radio while the car is moving.
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