Mobile phone use while driving commonplace

Irish motorists are still using their phones while driving, despite the risk of an accident and penalty points.

That's according to a new survey by AA roadwatch, which found that almost 80% of drivers witness someone using a mobile phone while driving at least once a day.

However less than 17% of road users admitted to calling or texting at the wheel.

"Men and women seem to be quite equal when it comes to this - we find that … 16.7% of men are slightly more than women at 16.5% - said it was common for them to use their phone while driving," said Arwen Foley of the AA.

Road users are four times more likely to crash if using a phone while driving.