Eating Causes Too Many Distractions While Driving

Eating while driving: yes, it is a distraction and yes, it is the worst form of distracted driving. Too many auto accidents in Salt Lake City and statewide are caused by drivers being more focused on their drive-thru lunches than others on the roads. Shockingly, the NY Daily News reports that 80 percent of all collisions and 65 percent of near-accidents are a result of distracted, eating drivers. 

If those statistics aren’t alarming enough, consider the worst foods and beverages to consume while operating a vehicle: burgers, sandwiches and coffee. Sadly, these foods are staples to many people in Salt Lake City and nationwide. As delicious as they are, hamburgers are some of the messiest foods around. Hot coffee, on the other hand, can spill easily when driving over bumps, causing drivers to fuss and react to the blistering hot substance on their pants. 

Many people believe they have alternative methods to prevent eating and driving simultaneously, but their innovative ideas still don’t prevent auto accidents. Some people think it’s fine to take a bite or sip only at stop lights. What happens, then, when a red light suddenly turns green? Greasy toppings or messy sauces can slide out the bottom of a bun at any given moment.

What’s a driver to do in this case? Accelerate when a light turns green, or reach for a napkin in a panic? Most people in Salt Lake City or elsewhere in Utah would choose the latter option, increasing the risk for auto accidents. This is a huge problem for drivers not only in Utah, but throughout the United States.

ExxonMobil conducted a study on 1,000 individuals, and discovered that more than 70 percent of drivers eat while operating a vehicle, while 83 percent drink beverages while behind the wheel. Studies also show that these statistics are much worse than those of texting and driving. Suffice it to say, eating and/or drinking while driving is one of the greatest known distractions.

Now, this doesn’t mean that drive-thru windows will be banned in Salt Lake City. That’s not the solution to the distracted driving epidemic. Rather, authorities should consider passing laws that prevent drivers from eating while operating a vehicle. Police are presently allowed to ticket those who fail to wear a seatbelt and those who text or use smartphone applications while driving. 

Bottom line: eating while driving is extremely dangerous to everyone on the roads. Several auto accidents could be avoided if people would wait until they arrive home to eat their meals. Please, for the safety of you and others, don’t eat and drive. 

Aubrey Andersen-Bakker  is a legal writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry.