By Kelly Eve

Last updated 12:26, Monday, 02 June 2008

PUTTING on make-up while you are driving is almost as distracting as using a mobile phone when you’re behind the wheel, according to a new survey of motorists.

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But the AA-supported study, carried out by Middlesex University, found that talking to passengers while driving was not thought to be as much of a distraction.

Those who carried out the research say it highlights people’s perceptions of potential dangers yet should act as a warning of the range of things that can cause a loss of attention.

Drivers questioned said using mobiles, looking at maps and books, grooming and putting on make-up were the worst distractions.

Smoking and eating and drinking also rated highly in the survey. On a scale of one to 10 – with 10 regarded as the most distracting – using mobiles scored 8.6 points while listening to music was only 3.2 and talking to passengers only 3.8.

While looking at maps or books scored 8.4 points, using a sat nav rated only 4.3 points.

AA road safety head Andrew Howard said: “This analysis of driver attitudes towards distractions shows the message is getting through that taking a hand off the wheel while driving could be dangerous.

“Recent public awareness campaigns on hand-held mobile phones and prosecutions of drivers for drinking bottled water or eating food at the wheel have had an impact.”

He added: “However, this change in attitude may be making drivers more relaxed about less physical distractions, such as lack of concentration, talking to passengers and gazing at the landscape rather than the road ahead.”