A new study has highlighted the dangers of motorists being distracted while behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Research carried out by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Virginia Tech showed how drivers will typically take their eyes off the road ten per cent of the time, increasing their risk of being involved in an accident.

The study used in-built cameras in 150 vehicles to monitor the practices and behaviour for drivers aged from 18 to 72.

According to its findings, there are a number of activities that cause significant growth in the risk of accidents, such as dialling a mobile phone (eight times increase), reaching for an object (seven to eight times), texting (four times) and eating (three times).

Bruce Simons-Morton, of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the NIH, commented: "Our study shows these distracting practices are especially risky for novice drivers, who haven't developed sound safety judgment behind the wheel."

Do you want to save up to 4p per litre at your local service station, each and every week?

Clare Lafferty of The Fuelcard People can help you save up to 4p a litre at petrol stations near you – contact her today.

The Esso fuel card is just one of the many products Clare can offer to help you and your business to cut its diesel and petrol costs.

Posted by Clare Lafferty, Account Manager, The Fuelcard People.