If you’re going to be driving, you have to make sure that you’re not distracted. Most people feel that distractions come in very specific forms, such as texting on a phone or getting distracted by a conversation with passengers. What they don’t often realize is that something as simple as drinking a beverage in their vehicle could distract them long enough to get into a crash.
Eating or drinking behind the wheel is dangerous. Why?
- Eating behind the wheel requires you to take your hands off the wheel to open food wrappers and to hold your meal
- Drinking may require you to take your hands off the wheel to pick up your cup or unwrap a straw
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel could lead to choking, which is a medical emergency and serious distraction
- Spills could lead to distractions due to burns or suddenly getting wet
- Your eyes may not be on the road if you’re looking for food or drinks in your vehicle
These and other reasons are why you shouldn’t eat or drink when you’re driving.
What can you do to avoid crashes from eating behind the wheel?
To avoid collisions, you can opt to eat inside a restaurant or park your vehicle after going through a drive-thru. You may want to eat before you get into your vehicle, or you might take the meal to where you’re going before you dig in.
If someone is distracted by eating and causes a crash, they can be held liable. Distractions can lead to devastating, potentially fatal collisions, so it’s always worth taking the time to refocus on the road.