Swinton car insurance has warned drivers not to use their phones for social networking when behind the wheel, due to an increase in accidents due to mobile phone use.

The car insurance provider has reported a rise of 12 per cent in the number of claims being made due to accidents caused by drivers on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites whilst behind the wheel.

Swinton revealed that most of the accidents have been of a minor nature, with motorists bumping into each other in slow moving traffic. However the company has warned that being distracted while driving can lead to potentially serious accidents and result in expensive insurance claims and even a driving conviction.

Steve Chelton, from Swinton car insurance, said: "As technology advances, we are seeing more and more drivers using smart phones and other devices while behind the wheel – and this is leading to more accidents on our roads."

Swinton's research follows a survey by Halfords which found that 5 per cent of motorists read posts on social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, whilst driving.

The advice from Swinton is simple: “Turn off any electronic equipment before getting into a car for a safer journey."

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