Each of the volunteers performed the task four times: without distractions…… whilst using a handheld phone…..whilst speaking on a hands-free kit…… and after downing enough vodka to put them just over the drink-driving limit.

As in previous studies, the researchers found that talking on the phone, whether hands-free or hand-held, impaired their driving. Drivers were 9 per cent slower hitting the brakes, 24 per cent more variable in the distance they kept behind the lead car and 19 per cent slower resuming their normal speed. Their impairment was similar to that when they drove drunk.

After the above results, it is hardly surprising that insurers are taking a hard line with drivers caught on the phone. We outline below what increases insurers are making to premiums and reveal the truthful figures about phone offences when driving.

If the police catch and prosecute you for using a mobile whilst driving, your insurer is likely to increase your premiums by 30 per cent.

The Alliance and Leicester, Churchill, Allianz, Zurich and Norwich Union are asking drivers whether they have been convicted of using a mobile in a car. The majority of insurers raise premiums recently, in line with the increase in penalties for this offence.

An AA survey has revealed that the average motorist pays 682 pounds annually for car insurance. A 30 per cent rise in premiums means that convicted motorists pay an additional 204 pounds a year.

Mark Bishop, a spokesman for Allianz, confirms that his company has raised premiums by 30 per cent. He hopes that their action will reinforce the message that using a mobile in a car is needless and dangerous.

Ian Crowder from the AA welcomed the strong action as being a very responsible approach by insurers. Those drivers convicted of unlawful use of mobile phones tend to have more claims. They also have a lack of awareness of their surroundings, are unable to concentrate and do not control their car properly. Consequently careless driving and mobile phone use are inextricably linked, he said.

A driver receiving a CU80, which is a mobile phone penalty, has 18% added to their premiums, a recent report by the AA has revealed. They want insurers to take the offence into account when quoting, which may lead to some companies refusing to insure drivers with a CU80. The premiums increase by 10 pounds – 30 pounds for an initial speeding offence, but sky rocket to 150 pounds for further convictions, with some companies refusing to quote.. Mr Chrowder said that the use of a mobile phone in a car was seen by many as more dangerous than speeding, as the driver was not actively in control of the car.

The use of mobile phones whilst driving was made illegal in December 2003, but amazingly there are more and more people being caught. In 2006, there were 168,000 fines, which equates to almost 500 a day. This number is 29 per cent higher than the previous year, when the number was 129,700. Estimates indicate 300,000 motorists use their hand held phones each day, but, although hands-free phones are legal, many people maintain that they are just as dangerous.

The Statistics

Frequent texting whilst driving50%

Reduced concentration whilst talking on the phone 37%

Number of motorists having points on their licence6 million

Driving offences in 2006, including phone use and speeding 12.7 million