Millions of UK drivers have been found to put fellow road users at risk by multitasking behind the wheel, causing a rise in collisions.
It comes as new research shows that distracted drivers can be responsible for causing 10 collisions every day, with motorists facing consequences for being a danger on UK roads.
New research found that 14.8 million drivers admitted to carrying out other tasks while driving or temporarily stationary in their vehicles, from personal grooming to using electronic devices.
Government data shows distracted drivers were responsible for one in 20 collisions in 2023, with 3,564 incidents recorded. Of these, 95 resulted in fatalities, which was the highest amount recorded in the past five years.
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Distracted driving has caused 10 collisions to occur each day on UK roads
PA/GETTYThe research found that 35 per cent of motorists confessed to multitasking, with activities almost as common in moving vehicles as in stationary ones.
One in 10 drivers admitted to styling their hair, while nine per cent confessed to applying make-up or plucking out hair.
More disturbingly, eight per cent of drivers admitted to reading a book while driving, and seven per cent claimed to clean their teeth.
Four per cent confessed to changing their clothes, using a laptop or tablet, or switching drivers while the vehicle was in motion.
The report found 22 per cent of drivers admitted to shaving while behind the wheel
GETTY
Some motorists even admitted to watching streamed content, playing on gaming devices, or engaging in crafts like knitting while driving.
Matt Pernet, Head of Direct Line Motor Insurance, said: "Distractions behind the wheel are everywhere, both inside and outside the vehicle, which is why staying alert to all potential dangers is so important.
"In an age of constant connectivity, technology can easily draw your attention away from the road for extended periods, even before considering the added risks associated with multitasking while driving."
He warned that added distractions can contribute to risky driving behaviour, "which is why we urge all drivers to reassess their in-car habits to help prevent serious accidents".
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Gen Z drivers were the worst offenders, with 70 per cent admitting to multitasking behind the wheel. They were found to be four times more likely to multitask than all other age groups combined, and five times more likely than older drivers.
A quarter of Gen Z drivers were found to read a book while driving, with one in five attempting crafts like knitting or crocheting. Personal grooming was also particularly common among younger drivers, with 35 per cent styling their hair at the wheel.
Almost a quarter of Gen Z motorists confessed to brushing their teeth or applying make-up while driving, with 22 per cent admitting to shaving.
Drivers can face strict penalties and consequences for distracted driving, with motorists facing a £200 fine as well as six penalty points on their licence.
Distracted driving can result in a £200 fine from the police as well as penalty points on a licence
GETTYThe dangerous consequences of distracted driving are evident on UK roads daily, with a quarter of people who witnessed a distracted driver seeing them run a red light, while 21 per cent observed drivers failing to stop at pedestrian crossings.
One in 20 witnesses said they saw another vehicle forced to swerve to avoid a distracted driver, resulting in significant damage. Meanwhile, 12 per cent witnessed drivers swerving into oncoming traffic and almost hitting another vehicle.
Pernet added: "It is concerning to see how many drivers attempt to put on make-up, read books or watch their favourite Netflix series while on the road."
Distracted drivers themselves admitted to serious incidents, with six per cent colliding with another vehicle and five per cent veering off the road.
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