One-in-eight drivers in the South East have admitted using their mobile to send or receive a text while driving, a new survey claimed this week.

Car insurance giant Admiral’s study also revealed eight per cent admitted making and receiving calls while behind the wheel while seven per cent checked social media updates.

One in five had hit a car from behind through a lack of concentration, and slightly less nearly veered off the road.

Top of the list of distractions was young children (35 per cent); other passengers (31 per cent); pets (14 per cent), mobile phones (11 per cent) and attractive pedestrians (nine).