The Risks of Eating While Driving

Distracted driving is always dangerous. When you think of distracted driving it probably calls to mind images of people talking on a cell phone, texting, updating a facebook status, or checking email. We know that drinking alcohol and driving is very dangerous, but what about drinking soda? Most people will eat while driving or drink coffee or soda, without thinking twice. The reality is that eating is still a significant distraction that constitutes risky behavior. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that eating or drinking while behind the wheel increases the risk of an accident by 80 percent.

Distracted driving can cause serious injuries or even death. Most people do not think it will happen to them but the reality is that it does happen. One Study by ExxonMobil found that of the people involved in the study, 70 percent admitted to eating and driving at the same time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also found that almost half of near-crashes were caused by a driver who was eating or drinking while driving.

Messy foods and hot drinks seem to pose the most risk, because drivers are distracted by spills. Coffee was highest on the NHTSA’s list of dangerous driving foods. Since it is usually very hot and can stain clothes if spilled, it requires some attention to drink, taking your full attention off the road. Hamburgers are a fast food that many people eat while driving because they are convenient. But they are also messy, which is a major distraction when you are driving. Every time you have to look down and away from the road to see if you spilled you drink or reach for a fry, you are creating a dangerous situation that has the potential to be deadly.

No matter what the reason, distracted driving is never okay. It is dangerous and puts others at risk. More people need to be aware of bad habits that present dangerous situations and make the needed adjustments. Many states are helping this along by banning texting while driving or talking on your cell phone. While this is a step in the right direction, it is important to be aware of all of the distractions that exist.

How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help

If you have been injured in an accident because of someone else’s recklessness or negligence, contact an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. It is important to waste no time in finding an experienced auto accident attorney who can help to investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and get you the compensation that you deserve. If another driver causes damage to your vehicle or injury to you or your family, you can recover damages to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

If another driver’s carelessness or inattention causes an accident, you have the right recover damages, but remember that they have that same right - so drive safely and without distraction.