A recent study shows that eating while driving is responsible for 80 percent of automobile accidents and 65 percent of scary “near misses”. Eating in the car is like any other form of distracted driving, it takes your mind off the road and adversely affects your reaction time. However, with today’s hectic schedules, more and more people are taking their meals in their cars.
A separate study showed that, out of 1,000 drivers, over 70% of drivers eat while driving and 83% consume beverages. Americans are so busy and spend so much time in their vehicles, so they view eating while driving as a way to save time.
This has also led law enforcement and highway patrol officers across the country to take action. Eating while driving is not illegal, it’s just unsafe. Officers have been prompted to take advantage of Distracted Driving Awareness Month to make enforcement contacts with people who appear to be distracted while driving, and citations can be issued for unsafe speeds related to distracted driving.
What Are The Most Dangerous Foods?
The study ranked some of the worst foods to eat while driving. Some of these are very obvious but a few might be surprising. We’ll start from the bottom.
10. Chocolate
9. Soft Drinks
8. Jelly Donuts
7. Fried Chicken
6. Ribs/Wings
5. Hamburgers
4. Chili
3. Tacos
2. Soup
1. Coffee
That’s right Seattleites, coffee is the worst food/beverage to consume while driving. It’s very likely to spill and possibly burn you, leading to some very unsafe driving.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day in the United States, more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,060 people are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.
The danger of distracted driving is a real and known threat. Distracted drivers cause serious injuries and claim thousands of lives every year. If you or a loved one is suffering because of injuries caused by a distracted driver, our personal injury attorneys can help you recover compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm today and let us evaluate your case and recommend a course of action.
