The number of accidents caused by drivers using social networking sites while behind the wheel is on the up, it has been claimed.

Car insurance provider Swinton has suggested that claims against such drivers have risen 12 per cent in the past year, with most of these incidents being caused by not paying attention in slow-moving traffic.

Steve Chelton, insurer development manager at Swinton car insurance, said: "As technology advances, we are seeing more and more drivers using smart phones and other devices while behind the wheel – and this is leading to more accidents on our roads. Even in slow moving traffic, writing or reading a message is a major distraction."

Using a smartphone behind the wheel results in a £60 fine and three points on the offender’s driving licence.

Last month, research by psychologists at the University of Utah found that even using a hands-free mobile device in the car is risky.

They suggested that even the distraction of talking could cause some drivers to have slower reaction times.

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