If you were to ask an experienced car accident lawyer what’s the most surprising (and common) reason why people get into accidents, they would likely say “eating.” That’s right, eating while driving may be convenient, but it can also be dangerous and deadly.
In fact, the CDC considers eating while driving among the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. That’s because it can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, occupy their hands, and distract their attention.
With that in mind, if you’ve suffered injuries in an accident due to another person eating while driving, you may be eligible for maximum compensation. Contact a proven Florida car accident lawyer at Schrier Law Group today at 1-888-831-2688 for your free initial consultation.
Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of eating while driving.
Is It Illegal to Eat While Driving?
It’s not illegal to eat while driving in Florida or any other state. However, it’s still not recommended to do so. That’s because eating while driving can lead to dangerous driving, resulting in getting stopped by the police. Further, in worst-case scenarios, eating while driving can result in catastrophic accidents.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Eat While Driving
Recent studies confirm that eating while driving increases the risk of getting into an accident by three times compared to a driver who is not eating. A few additional compelling reasons to avoid consuming food while operating a car include:
- Eating while driving leads to a 44% decrease in a drivers reaction time
- Drinking while operating a car lowers reaction time by more than 20%
- Certain food can make your hands slippery and unable to safely grasp your steering wheel to get out of danger
- Spilling food while driving can lead to more extreme distractions while you attempt to clean
- Depending on what you’re eating, your food may block certain parts of your vision
- Nearly 65% of all “near-miss” accidents are the result of distracted drivers eating or drinking
- Drivers are three times more likely to be involved in an accident while drinking or eating
- A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that eating or drinking while behind the wheel increases your risk of an accident by more than 80%
Generally, there are three types of distracted driving. They include taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, or taking your mind off of driving. Eating food while operating a car falls into all three categories.
How to Stop Eating While Driving
According to the NHTSA, distracted driving kills more than 3,000 people per year in the U.S. and results in thousands of injuries. However, stopping the habit of eating while driving isn’t always easy. Listed below, we’ve listed a few proven methods to help you avoid consuming food or drinks while behind the wheel.
- Eat before you get into your car or after you’ve reached your destination. Wake up 30 minutes earlier to eat before work, if needed.
- Keep snacks out of your car, or keep them in the trunk.
- If you get hungry while driving, pull over into a parking lot or otherwise safe area and eat.
- Try not to drink. But if it’s necessary, opt for a secured and ergonomically designed drink holder (to avoid spills).
Although you may be ready to walk away from eating while driving, a recent ExxonMobil survey shows that more than 70% of the other drivers on the road continue to eat and drive.
With that in mind, if you’ve suffered injuries resulting from an accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Learn more below.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
You can control your actions and limit your distractions while driving. However, there’s nothing you can do about other drivers who engage in distracted driving. Suppose you were recently in an accident in Florida due to another driver eating while driving. In that case, it’s recommended that you immediately consult with the best Florida car accident lawyer for your circumstances.
A car accident lawyer at Schrier Law Group can investigate your claims, help you prove that the other driver caused the accident as a result of them eating while driving, and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.
If you’ve suffered injuries due to the negligence or distractions of another motorist, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with a proven Florida car accident lawyer.
