MORE than 185,010 people were injured or killed on the road in the first six months of 2016 and nearly 139,000 could have been prevented if motorists were less distracted when driving.

While a loss of concentration through tiredness causes 62 per cent of crashes, a new survey by The Press' sister title Exchange and Mart reveals that nearly one in four motorists admit to regularly driving in when tired.

As part of Road Safety Week, which ends today, Exchange and Mart is launching its Distracted Driving website, offering motorists a guide to driving safely and avoiding distractions.

Jim Murray Jones, general manager for Exchange and Mart,said:  “Our survey results reveal that men and women are equally and most commonly distracted by their passengers, ensuring the air con is ‘just so’ and the music choice is to their liking. 

"However, men are more prone to being distracted by eating and drinking than women, who are sidetracked by adjusting mirrors, seatbelts and seat positioning. 

"Whatever the distraction, as many as 72% of drivers have admitted to multitasking whilst driving and as such are putting themselves and their passengers at considerable risk.

"The launch of our Distracted Driving website will support people making the Brake Pledge; to drive slow, sober, secure, silent, sharp and sustainable.”

To find out more about the project visit www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/distracted-driving