There are many behaviors that can increase the likelihood of an accident, including the use of a cell phone behind the wheel or drinking too much alcohol. Many people realize how dangerous these behaviors can be but fail to keep in mind that there are many other behaviors which can significantly increase the likelihood of a motor vehicle collision.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that eating food and drinking can lead to a motor vehicle accident because it diverts a driver’s attention from the road. There are many other ways that drivers can become distracted too, such as talking to people in the car or changing the radio station. In fact, the NHTSA says that distracted driving claimed 3,450 lives over the course of 2016.
There are a variety of reasons why eating can be especially dangerous. For example, a driver may take his or her hands away from the wheel in order to reach out for food, or they could become very distracted while trying to put seasoning on their food or take off a wrapper. Moreover, food can be hot, burning their mouth, or causing them to become distracted in another way.
As a driver, it is crucial to avoid any distractions that can lead to a crash. Sadly, some drivers do not and they may be responsible for a collision which leaves innocent people with serious injuries or worse. For the victims of a distracted driving accident, it is crucial to utilize any resources that can help.