Distractions on the Road: Eating while Driving Upland California

Eating while driving has become part of modern life. The culture of fast-efficient drive-thru restaurants contributes to such bad habits. Today, you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner from the comfort of your driver’s seat. And everyone does it. A report showed that 83% of drivers drink behind the wheel and 70% eat and drink while driving.

The meaning of distracted driving

Any activity that diverts your attention as a driver from the road counts as distraction. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of auto accidents. Distraction comes in various forms. It includes driving while eating, drinking, texting and applying makeup. Distracted driving has killed more than 3,000 in 2017 alone.

Reasons why eating while driving is dangerous

The main obvious reason for why eating while driving is dangerous is the risk of accidents. Distraction while driving significantly increases your probability of a car crash. We might think we are good multitaskers but eating while driving involves using our hands. 

• Eating takes both hands off the wheel:

  often times, our food is wrapped, stored in a box or a tupperware. To unfold or remove our food items, we often need both of our hands. As we juggle that, we risk losing control of our cars. Hence, increasing our chances of a car collision.

• Passengers eating can distract you too:

  driving a car full of passengers eating and sharing food items is very distracting for the driver. As burgers and fries are being tossed around, the driver’s attention diverts from the road.

  

Legal Consequences of Eating while driving

California has serious regulations against distracted driving. Because eating is a form of distraction, the distracted driving rules apply. It is considered unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while one of your hands is occupied. Both hands are required to be on the wheel while driving. A distracted driver will face a fine of $20 for a first offense. This fine goes up based on subsequent offenses.

Tips for driving safe

Safe driving avoids car accidents. The most important part of driving is attention. A driver must have his/her full attention on the road at all times. Attention includes having his/her eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. If you must eat, make sure to either eat before you drive.

Have you or someone you know been in a car accident involving a distracted driver? If so, you have legal rights to recover your damages. Whether small or serious injuries were sustained, you should seek legal advice. Call Napolin Law today for a free consultation.