Eating and drinking while driving is a dangerous distraction that often results in a car accident.
Distracted driving kills around 8 people daily in the U.S. While eating and drinking while driving might not be the main cause of these accidents, it can certainly be a contributing factor. Like many people, perhaps you have been guilty of eating or drinking while driving at some point in your life. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of eating and drinking while driving and provide some tips on avoiding them.
Why is it so dangerous to eat or drink while driving?
- When you’re eating or drinking, you’re not paying attention to the road. Unfortunately, this can lead to you missing something important, like a stop sign or a child crossing the street, resulting in serious accidents.
- When you’re eating, your hands are occupied, and you can’t use them to control the wheel. This makes it difficult to keep the car in its lane and increases your chances of getting into an accident.
- The act of eating or drinking is a distraction itself. It gets worse if you spill your food or drink. You might reach for a napkin to clean it up, which takes your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. Sadly, when trying to clean up a spill while driving, you could lose control of the car and cause an accident.
Tips to Avoid Accidents Caused by Eating or Drinking While Driving
Now that we know why eating or drinking while driving is so dangerous, let’s discuss some d avoid these distractions and keep safe while on the road.
Plan Ahead: If you know you’re going to be driving for a long time, pack a healthy snack or meal that you can eat without having to look at it.
Keep Your Food and Drinks Within Arm’s Reach: This will keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Use a Travel Mug: If you’re drinking coffee or tea, use a travel mug, so you don’t have to hold the cup in your hand.
Keep Your Food and Drinks in a Place Where They Won’t Spill: This will prevent you from having to reach for them while driving.
Pull Over if You Need to Eat: If you need to eat, pull over to a rest stop or gas station. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Speak with an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
Despite being cautious, accidents can still happen. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to a distracted driver, the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm can evaluate your case free of charge and help you determine what compensation you may be entitled to.