Car insurance customers have been warned not to use social networking services on their phones while they drive.
According to car insurance company Swinton, the number of crashes caused by drivers using Twitter, Facebook and other social media on their phones has gone up by 12 per cent in the past year.
The company has reminded motorists that, as well as causing accidents, this phone usage could also lead to a driving conviction, another factor that could lead to higher car insurance premiums .
Steve Chelton, insurer development manager at Swinton, said: "As technology advances, we are seeing more and more drivers using smart phones and other devices while behind the wheel - and this is leading to more accidents on our roads.
"Even in slow moving traffic, writing or reading a message is a major distraction. Our advice is simple - turn off any electronic equipment before getting into a car for a safer journey."
Research recently conducted by AXA found that experienced drivers were 42 per cent less likely to be caught driving while using a mobile phone that inexperienced drivers.




