A new poll conducted by Confused. com has revealed that more than a quarter (27%) of motorists flouts driving laws to log on to the social media site Facebook, increasing the risk to their own and others' lives on road.

The poll of 2000 motorists also found around 40% of the respondents admitting that they check their handsets while driving. More astonishingly, 20% admitted that they check their handsets every 15 minutes.

More than 20% take or make calls at red lights, while 15% send texts and emails in traffic jams.

Around half (45%) of the polled drivers said that they didn't begin their journey until they could see their phones.

Surprisingly, three quarter (75%) drivers said that they were aware of the punishment for making use of a phone while driving.

Speaking on the findings, Gareth Kloet from Confused. com said, "Our research shows that although people are aware of the consequences involved, they struggle to tear themselves away from their mobile phones and social media."

Confused. com is offering a free app, called Drive Safe. ly, to discourage drivers from using phones while diving.