Millions of motorists have near-misses after being distracted by technology

Technology is putting millions of distracted drivers in danger, according to a report.
Technology is putting drivers in danger.Technology is putting drivers in danger.
Technology is putting drivers in danger.

Motoring law firm Geoffrey Miller found technology was responsible for distracting 57% of drivers - causing 1.4million drivers to swerve to avoid an oncoming vehicle and around 1.25million passing through a red light.

The firm warned that a rise in super-tech cars with in-car screens and complimentary Netflix subscriptions could make it harder for motorists to focus on driving.

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Five seconds looking away from the road while driving at 30mph can result in a car travelling more than 50metres.

On the motorway, where a car is travelling at the national speed limit (70 mph), a car could travel 160metres while the driver's gaze is elsewhere.

Research also found a more traditional action, changing the radio station, is the biggest distraction for modern drivers - followed by looking at the satnav or a mobile phone.

They also found men are worse at concentrating on the road and more likely to look at their phone behind the wheel.

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Jeanette Miller, managing director of Geoffrey Miller, said although technology has made driving easier and safer, super-tech cars create a risk for motorists.

She said: "Aside from the 'being in proper control' laws, there are no specific laws in place to deal with the distraction of having a huge computer screen in the driver's eye line as yet.

"Legislation has not kept pace with the latest developments in car manufacturing and policy-makers need to consider the implications of these new super-tech cars before they become mainstream."