Mirror, munch, manoeuvre – is eating behind the wheel dangerous?

Posted: April 4, 2013

Posted in: Car Accidents Road Traffic Accidents 

New research has revealed two thirds of motorists eat when behind the wheel despite most drivers thinking it’s dangerous and should be illegal. Almost one in six (15%) motorists have also crashed or had a near miss as a result of in-car eating.

The survey of 2,000 motorists by car insurer Admiral has shown that while two thirds of drivers have eaten when driving, for one in twelve it’s commonplace with them doing so between five and ten times a week.

Admiral’s study also revealed three quarters (77%) of British motorists believe eating when driving is dangerous and more than half (55%) think it should be against the law to eat behind the wheel of a car.

More shockingly the study found almost one in six (15%) motorists have crashed or had a near miss as a result of eating behind the wheel. Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, said:

“Eating while driving is not specifically illegal in the UK but motorists can find themselves charged with careless driving if police don’t think they are in control of their vehicle as a result.“

“Any activity that involves taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel will distract you from the job in hand, so if you’re going to eat in the car, you should always park up.”

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