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Using an Apple Watch while driving could put you in prison for up to two years, motoring experts have warned.

When the gadget is released next year, it will allow users to make and receive calls, check their messages and monitor their health by operating the device on their wrists.

But people who use Apple Watch while on the road are at risk of causing fatal crashes and will face the same penalties as those caught on their mobile phones.

Using an Apple Watch while driving could land you up to two years in prison, motoring experts have warned

This is according to the London-based Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) who has warned that smartwatches will 'significantly' impair driving performance.

Existing research by the IAM on smartphone use between 2006 and 2010 found distraction from a mobile phone was a contributory factor in 1,960 road accidents, 110 of which were fatal.

As opposed to using a hands-free piece of equipment, the Apple Watch will require drivers to use two hands to operate the device.

The IAM claims this will impact speed, lane position and time spent looking at the road, contributing to more serious crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in 10 fatal crashes in the US involves distraction.Meanwhile, statistics provided by the RAC reveal that 20 per cent of Australian drivers involved in crashes admit they were staring at the object they ended up hitting, because they were distracted

When Apple Watchis released next year, it will allow users to make and receive calls, check their messages and monitor their health by operating the device on their wrists. Pictured is Tim Cook showing off the Watch at the launch event in Cupertino last week

The Department for Transport (Dft) in the UK confirmed that using an Apple Watch while driving will carry the same penalty as using a hand-held mobile phone of three license penalty points and a £100 fine.

The DfT told MailOnline it would be down to authorities to judge whether or not drivers are distracted while using their watch – or any other gadget – on the road.

According to Crown Prosecution guidelines, where a motorist uses a mobile phone causing death by dangerous driving a harsher sentence of two years imprisonment is enforced.

And depending on what state you're driving in the US, using a mobile behind the wheel could land you a $10,000 (£6,100) fine and a year in prison.

'[Apple Watch] has the potential to be just as distracting as any other smartphone device,' said Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research.

'Indeed more so if you have to take your hand off the wheel and your eyes off the road to interact with it.'

'Enforcement will be difficult for the police, but powers exist to seize and interrogate devices in the event of a serious crash. The very device that distracted you also has the power to convict you.'

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in every 10 fatal crashes in the US involves distraction.

Meanwhile, statistics provided by the RAC reveal that 20 per cent of Australian drivers involved in crashes admit they were staring at the object they ended up hitting, because they were distracted.

MailOnline has contacted Apple, who has yet to respond.

As opposed to using a hands-free piece of equipment, the Apple Watch will require drivers to use two hands to operate the device. The IAM claims this will impact speed, lane position and time spent looking at the road, contributing to more serious crashes