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Eating While Driving: More Dangerous Than You Think

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When most people think of distracted driving, they imagine a scenario where a driver is talking on a cell phone or texting while driving. While this is certainly dangerous and a prime example of distracted driving, there are other forms of distracted driving that are often overlooked.

Eating and drinking while driving is something many drivers do often – and most drivers have done at some point. According to data compiled by Decide To Drive, drivers who are eating while driving are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a car accident than drivers who are not. Approximately 65 percent of near-miss car accidents are caused by drivers who are eating or drinking while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did research to determine what foods are the most dangerous to eat while driving. They are:

  • Coffee
  • Soup
  • Soft drinks
  • Chili
  • Tacos
  • Fried chicken
  • Barbecued food
  • Hamburgers
  • Jelly and cream-filled or powdered doughnuts
  • Chocolate

What can drivers do to keep themselves safe? The simple solution to the problem is to refrain from eating in the car. As we know, this is dangerous and increases a driver’s likelihood of being involved in an accident.

Rather than eating in the car, drivers should wait until they get home, wait until they get to a restaurant or pull over and eat in a safe location.

If you have been injured in a car accident and wish to speak to an attorney about your legal options, please call Greene Broillet & Wheeler at (866) 634-4525 or contact us online.