Smartphones can increase the risk of vehicle collisions.

  Smartphones can seriously increase the chance of a collision on the roads, according to research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

The organisation found that using a phone or mobile device behind the wheel can slow down driver reaction times more than alcohol and cannabis combined. With smartphones now one of the most popular devices for consumers there can be a tendency for a motorist to update their Facebook or send a text whilst driving.

A survey by the IAM found that eight per cent (3.5 million) of UK motorists admitted to using a smartphone whilst on the road with people aged between 17 and 24 being the worst offenders.

The research found that reaction times were slowed by 37.6 per cent when using a mobile device compared to 15 per cent and 21 per cent when under the influence of alcohol and cannabis respectively.

Simon Best, IAM chief executive, said: "If you're taking your hand off the wheel to use the phone, reading the phone display and thinking about your messages, then you're simply not concentrating on driving."