Eating While Driving: Why It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

November 3rd, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

Eating and driving is a recipe for disaster. This is because eating while driving can cause you to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the steering wheel — and can increase the risk of an accident.

Is It Illegal to Eat and Drive?

There are no laws in place that prohibit eating while driving. However, if you eat while you’re behind the wheel and your driving becomes erratic, you may get pulled over by a police officer. If a police officer believes your distracted driving has put you or others in danger, you may face fines and penalties for your careless actions.

Although there are no laws that stop you from eating and driving at the same time, there are regulations regarding driving under the influence (DUI). If you consume alcoholic beverages and get behind the wheel, you may be increasingly prone to distracted driving that leads to an accident.

Most Dangerous Foods to Eat While Driving

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study indicated that more than 70% of drivers eat when they’re behind the wheel. The same NHTSA study also recommended various foods to avoid while driving, including:

1. Coffee

You may fasten the lid of a coffee cup tightly. But, if the lid inadvertently pops off while you’re driving, you could spill hot coffee on yourself or on passengers. This can cause you to dangerously veer off the road or cause an accident.

2. Hot Soup

The risks associated with consuming hot soup while you’re behind the wheel are virtually identical to those associated with drinking hot coffee while driving.

3. Tacos

You may enjoy tacos loaded with beef, lettuce, cheese, and other delicious toppings. But as you try to eat a taco while driving, these toppings can spill out, which can cause you to get distracted and result in an accident.

4. Chili Dogs

There may be nothing better than a chili dog to satisfy your hunger pangs while you’re driving. A chili dog can be dangerous if it drips onto your clothing, creates a distraction, and leads to an accident.

5. Hamburgers

A hamburger can be greasy and tough to grip. If a hamburger slips out of your hand while you are driving, it can cause you to take your attention off the road and contribute to an accident.

What to Do If You Get Hungry While You’re Driving

Remember, it may be tempting to eat and drink while you’re driving, but you need to look at the big picture. If you drive cautiously, you can avoid accidents that put yourself and others in danger. You can also prevent potential damage to your car, along with a possible increase in your auto insurance rate after an accident.

If you feel hungry or thirsty while you’re on the road, find a convenience store or restaurant and consume your snack or beverage before you set out again. Or, if you feel like you can reach your final destination without stopping, continue to drive safely — and take solace in the fact that you’ll be able to satiate your hunger and quench your thirst as soon as you get there.

If your car was damaged while you were eating while driving, take it to Fix Auto. We employ expert auto body professionals who are happy to repair your car’s bumper, windshield, and other exterior components following a collision. Our certified auto body professionals can fix car dents, dings, and other exterior damage and ensure that your vehicle looks as good as new. To schedule a service appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 888.INFO.FIX.

 

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Northridge, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing Northridge and the greater San Fernando Valley.