If you asked most Americans to name common causes of distracted driving, it is likely that many would start talking about texting and driving. The reality is that one of the most common forms of distracted driving is much more innocuous-sounding than this.
Eating and drinking while driving is one of the most frequent forms of distracted driving. This may seem like a harmless activity to engage in while at the wheel, but the National Highway Safety Administration states that driving while eating or drinking from an open container increases the likelihood of a crash or a near-miss by almost 40%.
What are the most dangerous foods to eat while driving?
While it is not a good idea to eat anything while driving, there are some foods that are statistically more dangerous than others. These foods include chocolate, jelly- and cream-filled or powdered donuts, barbecued food, hamburgers, soups, fried chicken, tacos and coffee.
How can I prevent eating while driving?
The best way to prevent any kind of multitasking in your car is to ensure that you give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going. It is very tempting to multitask while driving if you are in a hurry. A very common example of somebody eating a donut and drinking coffee while driving to work.
If you are planning on a road trip, make sure to pull off and eat outside of your car. Not only can this help you avoid car accidents, it may help you eat healthier as well. Planning in advance allows you to pack your own lunch rather than relying on greasy fast food.
