More than half of UK motorists are engaging in unsafe driving practices, according to research by Co-operative Insurance .
A survey by the group found that 54 per cent of drivers are driving irresponsibly and taking unnecessary risks, which could affect their car insurance premiums.
The most common bad habit reported was eating and drinking while driving, which 53 per cent of respondents admitted to.
Many also admitted to regularly exceeding the speed limit, 12 per cent said they often smoke while behind the wheel, and seven per cent admitted to regularly using their mobile phone whilst driving .
Other dangerous driving habits included putting on make up and getting dressed for work.
Commenting on the findings, Grant Mitchell, function leader at Co-operative Insurance, said: "Driving a car is likely to be the most hazardous thing we will do each day and yet these alarming figures show over 50 per cent of drivers are unnecessarily increasing the chances of causing or being involved in an accident ."
"As a responsible insurer we believe that driving is a privilege and with that privilege comes responsibility. Taking a sip of a drink or a quick bite of a sandwich while driving may seem harmless, however the consequence of taking your full concentration off the road could result in a road traffic accident which could change lives forever."
He added: "Every time a driver has to make a claim, due to their own or another vehicle users irresponsible motoring habits, it undoubtedly has an effect on the motor insurance premiums of all drivers which is massively unfair on responsible road users who have to ultimately pay for other's mistakes."
Motorists Putting Lives At Risk Through Irresponsible Driving Habits
Wed, 04 Aug 2010
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