One in three drivers has had an accident or a near-miss as a result of being distracted while behind the wheel, research showed today.

Scenic views, other road accidents and children are the most common causes of distraction, according to Saga Motor Insurance.

Just under half of motorists admit they have been distracted looking at a view or landmark, 44% say they have stopped concentrating on the road to look at an accident and 39% have had their attention diverted by children.

Half of drivers say they eat while they are behind the wheel, leading to 20% taking their eyes off the road, and 43% admit to looking for something in the glove compartment or even on the car floor.

Just over a third say they have been distracted by an insect, bee or wasp, 19% say the radio has marred their concentration and 9% have been distracted by pets.

Male drivers are more prone to taking their eyes off the road to eye up a member of the opposite sex. Around 54% of men admit to eyeing out an attractive woman, while only 14% of women said were distracted eyeing up a hunky male.

However, women are more likely to be distracted by children, with 43% saying their offspring have disturbed their concentration, compared with 34% of men.