Professional drivers take more risks behind the wheel: study

Nearly a third (31 per cent) write and send texts while driving and even apply make-up or shave.

More than three-quarters speed at over 35mph in built up areas, according to the survey for road safety pressure group Brake and insurers Direct Line, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

Researchers found that people driving for business purposes are more likely than the general driving population to take such risks, prompting calls for employers to take action to ensure their workers are safe and not putting others in danger.

Researchers conducted two surveys, one of 532 at-work motorists into distractions while driving, and one of 703 at-work drivers into speed.

"It is appalling so many people who drive in a professional capacity are taking such horrendous and unnecessary risks, doing things we all know are unbelievably dangerous behind the wheel," Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said.

"People who drive as part of their job should be taking great care to stay within the law and not put people in danger, but according to these results, at-work drivers are more likely to take many deadly risks than other drivers," Townsend said.

"Whether it's over-confidence as they are heavy road users, work pressures or to save time, the risks they are taking with their lives and the lives of others is substantial," Direct Line spokesman Matt Owen said.