Computer and mobile technology are important communication tools in many people’s lives.

Some cannot be separated from their mobile phones and that poses a problem, particularly when sitting behind the steering wheel.

Being in control of a vehicle demands concentration at all times, but talking and texting on mobile phones appears to be commonplace with some motorists in our society – despite the fact that it is against the law.

According to an AA/Populus survey, more than two in five drivers are illegally using hand-held mobiles while at the wheel. This may not come as a surprise, but the fact that some are even taking pictures of crashes is, to say the least, astounding.

Of the 42 per cent who used mobiles while driving, 60 per cent said it had distracted them.

As many as 74 per cent of the 21,000 drivers polled said they had seen others using mobile phones on some or most journeys, with 25 per cent seeing mobile use on all trips.

Around 20 per cent admitted using a mobile to send a text, four per cent checked e-mails and two per cent sent e-mails while at the wheel.

As the use of social networking increases, it seems many motorists aren’t even prepared to turn off from Twitter or forget about Facebook while behind the wheel. Two per cent read Twitter or Facebook updates and one per cent even tweeted while driving.

Reg Cranage, chairman of the Ilkley and District Road Safety committee, says: “Using mobile phones while driving is ridiculous.

“Anybody driving must concentrate on driving. You cannot be busy taking photographs and chatting on the telephone. That is not on.”

AA president Edmund King says: “Drivers need to concentrate on driving rather than be distracted by their digital technology. Our research shows that some drivers are now using their smart phones for more than talking on the move. It is really not smart to talk, text or tweet on the move.

“Digital rubber-neckers who photograph crashes really are morbid voyeurs who should be concentrating on the road, not the victims of crashes. It beggars belief that these macabre motorists should put their lives and others at risk through their lust for twisted metal.”

“We would like to see the police target more mobile phone abusers so that the message gets out that it is not worth hanging on the telephone while driving.”

In Bradford, the police undertake operations throughout the city and district on road traffic offences, including using mobile phones while driving.

“Research has shown that a driver’s reaction time is up to 50 per cent lower than normal when using a mobile phone. You are four times more likely to be involved in a collision and your reactions are 30 per cent worse than those of someone driving under the influence of alcohol,” says a police spokesman.

“With the release of these latest figures, we would like to remind people that it is an offence to use a mobile phone when driving which carries a £60 fine and three points on your licence.

“This can subsequently affect the cost of your insurance premiums and is not a chance worth taking.”

Motorists are urged that if they want to take a call they must use a hands-free device. “It is also unacceptable to use your phone for other purposes while driving, such as taking a photograph.

“If it is a distraction, it could potentially cost lives. Remember, it’s not just your own safety you’re putting at risk, but all those around you.”

Huma Boskani, Bradford Council’s senior road safety officer, says observation and anecdotal evidence from the police has indicated mobile phone use behind the wheel is a problem.

She says while it is illegal to use a mobile phone behind the wheel, it isn’t illegal to use hands-free which, she says, can also be distracting and motorists found not to be in control of their vehicle while using the hands-free device can also face a penalty charge.

Huma explains motorists who use mobile phones or hands- free while driving are less aware of what is happening around them on the road; they may not be able to maintain proper lane position or a steady speed; they may be more likely to tailgate and their reactions will be affected – for example they are likely to take longer to brake and stop. They may also feel stressed and frustrated which can also impact on their driving.

“We would like people not to use their hand-held (mobile phone) or hands-free,” says Huma.

She says if motorists need to take a call, they must pull up in a safe place to take the call or let it go on to answerphone so they can return the call when they aren’t driving.