Driver distractions are at an all-time high , according to new research . The use of phones , text messaging and heavy urban traffic means people concentrate less than ever while driving . And this is extremely dangerous , warn the researchers , as taking your eye off the road for just two seconds can increase the risk of an accident up to 24 times . Researchers from Oregon State University studied driver distractions . They found texting , eating and other tasks were more distracting than ever . And they warned that young drivers are unaware of the dangers . A previous study found that text-driving ( stock image shown ) was equivalent to being drunk . The researchers , led by Oregon State University compiled findings that showed so-called 'distracted driving ' was a bigger problem than ever . The research was published in the Journal of Transportation Safety and Security . The striking sight of a solar eclipse will capture the attention of commuters across Britain on their way to work this Friday . It will be the first time that the astronomical spectacle has occurred during rush-hour in the UK , and there are fears that motorists may take their eyes off the wheel to watch the cosmic alignment . Experts have warned that drivers may be distracted as they watch the sun or risk a crash simply by letting their concentration falter . RAC spokesman Simon Williams told MailOnline : ‘ The biggest danger of the eclipse from the motorist ’ s perspective is likely to be distraction rather than being plunged into darkness . ' He said that distraction is a major cause of accidents on the road and was a contributory factor in 23 per cent of fatal accidents in 2013 . 'Based on recent studies , anything that takes your attention away , any glance away from the road for two seconds or longer can increase the risk of an accident from four to 24 times , ' said Dr David Hurwitz from the university . 'This is a dramatic increase in risk , with inexperienced drivers who are least able to handle it . ' According to OSU , a previous study found that texting was equivalent to being drunk . 'The absolute worst is texting on a phone , which is a whole group of distractions , ' added Dr Hurwitz . 'With texting , you 're doing something besides driving , thinking about something besides driving , and looking at the wrong thing . ' In their study , the researchers found that interactive presentations administered to young drivers in a classroom or auditorium can raise their awareness of the problem . They concluded that more young people should be educated in this manner . While many young drivers understand the risks of texting , Dr Hurwitz said they are much less aware of other concerns that can be real . These include eating , drinking , talking on a phone , smoking , adjusting the radio , changing a CD , using a map or other controls . While many young drivers understand the risks of texting , Dr Hurwitz said they are much less aware of other concerns that can be real . These include eating , drinking , talking on a cell phone , smoking , adjusting the radio ( stock image shown ) , changing a CD , using a digital map or other controls . 'Automobile manufacturers have made cars significantly safer , but in the interests of passenger comfort they also continue to add more pleasant distractions within the vehicle , ' Dr Hurwitz said . 'More experienced drivers learn how to control these distractions , but we 're finding the most problems with the very young driver , within six months of getting a license . ' Aside from lack of experience , he said , young drivers also have a higher risk tolerance , use seat belts less , and choose higher speeds . The recent research found that 27 per cent of respondents changed clothes or shoes while driving , and some worked on homework . However , they added that it was 'reasonably safe ' to talk to other passengers in the car . 'For one thing , if an incident happens that requires a quick reaction , everyone in the car may see it , stop talking and pay immediate attention , ' said Dr Hurwitz . 'And you literally have more sets of eyes on the road to see upcoming problems . ' There are some gender differences among young drivers , too . Females are more likely to use a phone while driving , and males are more likely to look away from the road while talking to others in the car . The project was funded by the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium , an initiative supported by OSU , the University of Washington , University of Idaho , Washington State University and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks .
researchers from Oregon State have studied driving distractions . They found texting , eating and drinking were more distracting than ever . And they found that young drivers are unaware of the dangers . A previous study concluded that drunk - driving was equivalent to being drunk .