The Independent, UK reports that ten per cent of SMS users write text messages while driving, and 16 per cent take calls without a hands-free kit, in a survey of of around 2,000 adults by Continental Research.

Using a mobile phone without hands-free kits will be banned later this year in UK. But 9 per cent of those surveyed say they would make a call without a hands-free kit, and 15 per cent say they would read a text message. In total, 27 per cent would use their mobile without hands-free equipment.

"These figures are very disturbing. People don't seem to understand the distraction of using a mobile while driving," said a spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.