ACCORDING to new research, 27 per cent of the UK population think that talking on a mobile phone while driving is the worst motoring sin.

The study - carried out by private, motoring, home and leisure organisation csma - reveals that mobile phone use is seen as far worse than aggressive or threatening language or behaviour.

The research is part of csma's "Campaign for Courteous Driving".

Our worst driving sins are:

* Talking on a mobile phone (27 per cent)

* "Cutting up" or suddenly changing lanes (19 per cent)

* Driving too close behind the car in front (16 per cent)

* Giving aggressive and threatening comments and gestures (nine per cent)

n Incorrect/lack of use of indicators (seven per cent)

* Eating or drinking while driving (five per cent)

* Overtaking on the inside (four per cent)

The research also highlights:

* People "driving slowly" is considered one of the seven deadly driving sins by "macho" men, but it isn't by women.

* Giving aggressive comments and gestures is seen as a greater driving sin by women than it is by men.