Warning: Don't Twitter and drive

Nine per cent of motorists have admitted to using social networks such as Twitter and Facebook or sending a text message while driving.

Research from insurance firm Esure has even found 'tweets' where people boast about using the popular micro-blogging site while driving.

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One read "Irresponsible twitter driving woo!" while another told of a driver's struggle to stay awake at the wheel.

Mike Pickard, head of Risk and Underwriting at Esure car insurance, said: "There is a time and a place for social networking and it certainly isn’t when driving a car."

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"Messages being posted on Twitter from behind the wheel are a real cause for concern for the safety of other motorists and pedestrians," he continued.

The research also found that while half of drivers found mobile devices that made a noise or lit up while they were driving a distraction, 19 per cent have rummaged through a handbag, glove box or pocket to locate a mobile phone while driving.

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Only 19 per cent of drivers actually turn off their mobiles while driving, a course of action that Esure recommends.

"Our advice to motorists is to remove this temptation altogether by switching off all mobile technology before driving to ensure focus solely remains on the road ahead," said Pickard.