Drivers are being warned that hands free mobile phone kits may be legal but can still increase the risk of being involved in a road accident if drivers become distracted by them.

Car Insurance company esure carried out research which showed that 48% of people believe that hands free usage put the users and other peoples safety at risk with a greater chance of being involved in a road accident.

Esure's head of risk and underwriting Mike Pickard said: "Motorists should always ensure that they pay full attention to the road as opposed to a phone conversation.

"Any distraction that may compromise the concentration of motorists should be avoided."

It would reduce the chances on being involved in an accident if people switched off their mobile phones altogether before they get behind the wheel.

Mr. Pickard's comments are similar to a warning made by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in Northern Ireland who warned that those people using a mobile phone while they drive are at a greater risk of having a road accident.