Almost a quarter of motorists check phone  while driving

RSA chief executive Sam Waide: 'We are asking all motorists to follow safe behaviour when it comes to their mobile phone while driving and either turn it off, switch it to airplane mode, put it on silent, or simply put it out of sight.' Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Nearly one in four drivers have admitted to checking notifications on their smartphones while driving, according to new research.

A Road Safety Authority (RSA) survey of driver attitudes and behaviour conducted last year found that 23% of drivers admitted to checking notifications while on the road.