A new survey commissioned by Ford has shown that many university students continue to drive whilst using their mobile phone, with a significant number also continuing to drink and drive. Car crashes are amongst the leading causes of death for young people and in Europe young people are almost twice as likely to be killed on the road when compared to the average person. Of the students surveyed, 43 per cent admitted texting whilst driving, 38 per cent said they swiped through apps and 36 per cent said they'd taken calls whilst behind the wheel. Meanwhile, 60 per cent admitted speeding and 13 per cent said that they'd driven whilst drunk. The figures varied compared to those who left school at 18, with 45 per cent admitting speeding, 9 per cent admitting to drink driving and 41 per cent admitting to using their phones whilst behind the wheel. The study of 2,313 people studying at university was created as part of the build-up to university Fresher's Week, when new undergraduates typically indulge in drinking and partying to celebrate the start of their new university lifestyle. Through the Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme, the manufacturer is aiming to help offer free driving training to young drivers. Indeed, by the end of this year, the programme will have helped train more than 20,000 drivers across 13 countries in Europe. Jim Graham, the manager of Ford DSFL, said: 'Getting to university is an incredible achievement and it is also where many of us make some of our strongest friendships. But we want to make sure these are lifelong friendships and help to ensure that these young people can one day look back with pride on a successful graduation. 'It is crucial students, and all young people, understand the terrible consequences, both for themselves and for others, that taking risks behind the wheel can lead to.î