There are many things that can potentially take the attention of a driver on the road. Many Americans automatically envision somebody trying to text or post to social media while driving when thinking about distracted drivers. However, some forms of distracted driving are much more innocuous-seeming.
Thousands of Americans eat behind the wheel while operating a moving motor vehicle each day. According to Decide to Drive, if you consume food or beverages while driving your risk of crash or near crash will go up by almost 40%.
What foods are the most dangerous?
There are some foods that appear more frequently at the scene of car accidents than others. These foods include but are not limited to soup, coffee, soft drinks, hamburgers, tacos and donuts.
However, correlation is not causation in this case. If you elected to eat a turkey leg while driving, that does not make the action any safer. Rather, the above foods are easy to buy at roadside cafes and convenience stores.
How can I stop eating while driving?
If you typically eat while driving, the problem is likely a lack of time. Many Americans eat breakfast in their cars on their way to work in order to avoid being late. Setting your alarm for 10 minutes earlier may allow you to enjoy your breakfast at home rather than in rush hour traffic.
If you are going on a long trip, it is a good idea to pack a picnic lunch. You can stop and eat at a rest stop along your journey. Not only will this prevent eating while driving, it is likely cheaper and healthier than fast food, as well.
