How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips

This October a survey by Brake has revealed that a third of drivers questioned, admitted to eating food behind the wheel making them twice as likely to crash. The survey also showed that:

·      27% of respondents have unwrapped and eaten food at the wheel

·      33% admitted to eating food that had been unwrapped for them

·      One in ten of the drivers asked said they have been involved in a near-miss because they were distracted from driving due to eating food at the wheel.

·      Brake has confirmed that the drivers most likely to unwrap and eat food behind the wheel are those aged 25-34 years, as more than half admitted to doing so at least once a week.

Calling upon research from 2009, it was also added that eating and drinking at the wheel, diverts attention away from the road, which in turn increases reaction times by up to 44%. While it is not currently an offence to eat while driving, it does become illegal if a person becomes distracted by the process.

Although it may be tempting to eat food on-the-go, drawing attention away from the road even for a short period of time can be dangerous. Please stop in a safe place to eat and drink; is your sandwich worth the risk?

Let us know your opinion via our Road Safety Community!