Have you ever eaten or drunk something while driving your car? If so, you are not alone. One survey found that 56% of people regularly do it.
While it might seem practical when you do not have time to sit down for a meal, it can be incredibly dangerous. It’s also not that good for your health, as the foods people tend to eat are often full of sugars or fats.
What makes it dangerous?
Dying from heart disease or getting diabetes due to constant junk food will be irrelevant if you die in a car crash first, and having food or drink in your hand while driving makes that more likely. Here is why food-to-go can lead to higher crash risk:
You think about what you are consuming rather than the traffic around you
Drivers should give the road their full attention. If they are wondering which bag they stashed their candy in, why today’s mug of coffee tastes burnt, or why the ketchup sachet never opens as easily as it should, they are not focusing entirely on the road.
Holding food or drink requires at least one hand off the wheel
Racecar drivers use waterbags with drinking tubes so they can drink without using their hands. Your travel mug or can of pop requires you to take a hand off the wheel. Driving one-handed, or driving with your elbows as some people do, reduces your ability to control the vehicle.
If a snacking driver crashes into you, you should not have to pay for your medical treatment. Seek legal help to understand how you can claim compensation.