One in 10 Irish motorists continued to use hand-held phones in the last two weeks of July ahead of new rules which saw penalty points increase for drivers caught using their phone while driving.
The research commissioned by Easytrip observed more than 1,000 drivers on motorways and other major roads, more than 10 per cent of whom were observed talking or texting while driving, in traffic or stopped at traffic lights.
Men were more likely than women to do so, with men making up 63 per cent of those who were observed using their phone while behind the wheel.
From August 1st, penalty points for holding a mobile phone while driving increased from two points to three, provided that a €60 fixed charge is paid within the stipulated period.
Those who do not pay the fixed charge and are subsequently convicted in court will now receive five penalty points, where in the past they would have received four.