We Make Your Problem Our Problem

Why eating while driving is dangerous

On Behalf of | Apr 12, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Eating when driving has become more common. However, since it’s a distraction, it can lead to accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2020. And the chances are eating was a contributing factor to this alarming number.

This post highlights why eating while driving is dangerous:

Eating takes hands off the wheel

When a driver eats, they will take a hand off the wheel. And with some food types, they may use both hands, including foods that are too large to be held by one hand, those in wrappers or sauce packets that must be torn and squeezed. When doing this, it can be challenging for a driver to respond fast, when need be.

Picking dropped food

Dropping food is another root of eating-related accidents. Foods like French fries can drop, and a driver may pick them up immediately. This means they will take their eyes off the road, which can be dangerous as they can swerve or change lanes unknowingly, endangering other road users.

Obscured vision

Drinks, especially those in large containers, can block a driver’s vision. Further, a driver unwrapping and inserting a straw into a cup takes their concentration from the road. Lids dropping under the seat and a driver trying to find them is also dangerous.

Wiping away crumbs

An accident may occur when a driver is wiping away crumbs from their clothes and the seat. This is because to do this, they need to take their hands off the wheel and, at times, eyes off the road.

Eating is as equally dangerous as other distracted driving behaviors. If you are injured by another driver, you should consider your legal options to get the compensation you deserve.