Most drivers would be happy to put their mobile phones and tablets into a drive safe mode to help them concentrate behind the wheel, according to a new study.

Motorists are increasingly connected to the outside world through inbuilt technology such as sat-navs and portable devices including mobile phones, tablets and smart watches.

Do you think the 'drive safe' mode could help keep people safe behind the wheel? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

But the amount of technology in cars has led to fears that the risk of drivers losing focus is being increased.

Department for Transport figures show that in 2014 a distraction from inside a vehicle was a contributing factor in 3,200 accidents (68 of which were fatal), with an additional 492 (21 fatal) involving a driver using a mobile phone.

A study by motoring research charity the RAC Foundation found that some 60 per cent of motorists would be happy to switch their electronic devices into a drive safe mode if it was created.

Airline passengers are often required to use a flight safe mode to avoid interference with a plane's systems.

A survey of 2,175 Britons found that 69 per cent see information received from outside the car as a possible distraction.

When those respondents who drive (1,490) were given a list of 17 connected driving features and asked to choose which ones were important when buying a car, the top choice was getting information about the condition of the car 85 per cent followed by live traffic alerts, 81 per cent.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: "Reassuringly, the vast majority of people said they wanted to use technology to check the state of their vehicle and make their journeys easier, not to read Facebook messages, send texts or email the boss.

"However, almost one in 10 were interested in online gaming as a feature. One can only hope this is down to a desire to keep their children occupied during a long journey rather than because they are tempted to play themselves."

The charity published research in November which showed motorists who rely on their smartphones to access the internet face difficulties because there is a complete absence of 3G coverage on 14,554 miles of roads, while an additional 111,679 miles - some 45% of Britain's roads - are only covered by some mobile operators.