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The survey of 7,000 smartphone users aged 18-24 from across Europe also reveals one in four have exposited an update on social media, or checked social media sites while driving.
Ford is now highlighting the risks of using smartphones behind the wheel as part of its free driver training programme Ford Driving Skills for Life.
Nearly all surveyed acknowledge the dangers, young men are most likely to ignore the risks. Nearly all drivers surveyed agreed the activities were dangerous.
Car crashes are the main cause of death for young drivers and Ford introduced its Ford Driving Skills for Life educational programme last year to provide hands-on training to more than 5,000, 18-24 year olds and online training for thousands more. The company is now expanding the programme to include the dangers of taking a 'selfie' and other smartphone and social media activities while driving.
Snapping a 'selfie' at the wheel can distract a driver for 14 seconds, and checking social media channels can distract for 20 seconds - long enough for a car travelling at 100km/h to cover the length of five football pitches.
Taking a 'selfie' on a smartphone has for many young people quickly become an integral part of everyday life - but it's the last thing you should be doing behind the wheel of a car, said Jim Graham, manager, Ford Driving Skills for Life. Adjusting hair using a rear-view mirror can distract for four seconds, and dialling a hand-held phone can distract for seven seconds.
There have this year been a number of car accidents resulting in injury and even death where drivers are reported to have taken 'selfies' shortly before tragedy struck. The publication of driving 'selfies' to social media channels has given rise to hashtags, which draw attention to posts, such as #drivingselfie.
Graham says "The potential consequences of taking a 'selfie' behind the wheel are very sobering and it is crucial to get that message home to young drivers as effectively as possible."
