More than a quarter of UK motorists send texts at the wheel, despite the fact that it makes the vehicle 20 per cent more likely to crash, a new research revealed.

The research, carried out by Direct Line and road safety charity Brake, questioned 840 motorists and found that 28 per cent admitting that they use their handsets for texting.

Nine per cent of the respondents even admitted that they surf the Web and use internet-related apps while driving.

The road safety charity Brake reminds motorists that there are no excuses for texting and surfing the Web as it causes serious distractions potentially killing innocent road users.

Advising motorists, Direct Line's Frances Browning said, "No call or text is that important to risk your own life or the lives of others. The way to reduce any temptation to use your phone or answer a call is simple; switch it off when you're behind the wheel."

In Northamptonshire, as many as 1,076 motorists have caught for using their mobile phone while driving since the beginning of the year.