Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority have said that people are not getting the message about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving.

Last year 35,000 people were given penalty points for this offence, the highest since the ban on using mobile phones was introduced in September 2006.

That makes it the biggest penalty point offence behind speeding.

A study by the Road Safety Authority has found that one in five people admit using their phone while driving. One in ten admits texting when they are behind the wheel.

Research shows that texters spend 400% more time with their eyes off the road.

Those who use mobiles when driving are four times more likely to be involved in a collision.

The study also says that using a hands-free kit while driving is not any safer than a handheld mobile.