People are twice as likely to be in a car accident while texting compared to drink driving, according to the AA.

This news comes as tougher penalties for using mobile phones while driving come into effect in the UK.

See related: Tougher penalties for drivers using mobile phones when behind the wheel to come into effect

From today, March 1, the fixed penalty for using a handheld mobile phone while driving doubles from £100 to £200.

Penalty points have also doubled, along with bus drivers and good vehicle drivers facing a fine of £2,500 from £1,000 if taken to court.

The majority of Brits agree with the figures, with 71 per cent believing texting while driving is more likely to cause a crash compared to drink driving.

According to the AA despite this knowledge, there is still a “prevalence” of high profile court cases of drivers causing death and serious injuries due to using their mobiles while driving.