How White Van Man & Co take deadly risks behind the wheel Many people who drive for work are risking death by texting, speeding and even shaving at the wheel, according to a new survey. Researchers found nearly a third of "work drivers" (31 per cent) text while travelling, while one in six (17 per cent) admits putting on make-up or shaving while behind the wheel. More than three in four (76 per cent) endanger pedestrians and cyclists by speeding at more than 35mph in built-up areas, ­according to the study. Researchers found that people driving for business purposes - like "white van man" - are more likely than the general driving population to take such risks, prompting calls for employers to take action to ensure their workers are safe and not putting others in danger. Nearly a third of journeys on Britain's roads are made by drivers who are at work at the time, according to official statistics, and it is estimated these drivers are up to 40 per cent more likely to be in a crash than people driving in their own time. Ten people are killed each week and 100 injured by people driving for work in Britain. Road safety pressure group Brake and insurers Direct Line conducted two surveys, one of 532 at-work motorists into distractions while driving, and one of 703 at-work drivers into speed. Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: "It is appalling so many people who drive in a professional capacity are taking such horrendous and unnecessary risks, doing things we all know are unbelievably dangerous behind the wheel. People who drive as part of their job should be taking great care to stay within the law and not put people in danger, but according to these results, at-work drivers are more likely to take many deadly risks than other drivers. We are urging all employers to ensure they have comprehensive safe driving policies and that staff know the importance of not speeding or driving distracted. We are also calling on anyone who drives for work to make a commitment to stay within speed limits, stay off the phone and stay focused on the ­critical task at hand. Direct Line spokesman Matt Owen said: "Those who drive as part of their job seem to take greater risks whilst at the wheel than the average driver. Whether it's over-confidence as they are heavy road-users, work pressures or to save time, the risks they are taking with their lives and the lives of others are substantial. What's more, texting, speeding and careless driving are illegal and if caught, the consequences could mean the risk they are taking with lives is also risking their livelihood. Michael Bird, whose wife Elizabeth was killed by a speeding truck driver in July 2010, called on everyone who drives for work to make sure they stay well within speed limits and keep their full attention on the road while behind the wheel. The driver, Simon Bothamley, was sentenced to six years for causing death by dangerous driving. Mr Bird said: "My plea to ­everyone out there is please stay well within speed limits and pay attention whilst driving. If you don't, it can lead to fatal accidents and perhaps long prison sentences.