Nearly 90% of the 445 road users who responded to the survey said that the use of a handheld mobile device while driving was "very distracting", with 95% claiming to have personally witnessed another motorist doing so.
Over half (52%) of those surveyed believed that penalties for using a handheld mobile device should be more severe.
However, 42% of motorists admitting to having spoken on a handheld mobile device themselves while driving. Over a quarter (27%) admitted to texting while behind the wheel; 13% have taken a photo and 6% admitted to accessing social media whilst driving.
“The interesting thing about this study is that, whilst almost everybody was happy to vent their indignation at other drivers’ carelessness, a large number also owned-up to the very things that concerned them,” explained Tim Naylor, editor of the BCA Used Car Market Report.
“But it is clear from our research that there is a groundswell of support for stronger penalties for using a hand-held mobile while driving – whether talking, texting or accessing social media."