Many motorists may think the topic of distracted driving refers to drunk driving or driving while using a cell phone. Of course, these are powerful distractions, but one that is overlooked, and could easily be the most common distraction, is eating while driving. Read on and find out how to deal with this distraction with these helpful tips.1
Living In The Fast Lane
Life for most motorists continues at a perpetually fast pace. Seeing as they spend so much time behind the wheel while commuting, many drivers consider having a snack during that time. Unfortunately, this puts them at risk of crashing. 1
What Is So Distracting About Eating While Driving?
There are three types of distractions to consider. First, visual distraction, this is when you take your eyes off the road and focus on a task inside the car. The second type of distraction is physical. This occurs when a motorist takes his hands off the wheel to take, for example, a hamburger out of a packet. The final kind of distraction is when your mind’s focus has shifted away from driving on the road. 1
What About The Risk Associated With Those Distractions?
Any distraction significantly exposes the car’s occupants, other vehicles, and pedestrians to risk. But when these distractions are combined, which is usually the case, they present an even greater risk to road safety. 1
Why Is A Distraction A Danger To Driving?
For safety reasons, driving requires you to concentrate and be alert to all that is happening around you. You need to be able to respond swiftly when confronted with a dangerous situation, but a distraction can significantly impair your response time. 1
No Hands On The Wheel
When you have no hands on the wheel, what will you do if you have to swerve suddenly for a child running onto the road chasing a ball? Even worse, when trying to handle a tyre blowout. 1
Spilling Hot Coffee
Imagine how distracting driving could be if a cup of hot coffee accidentally tips its contents onto your lap. This could end up in a serious accident, not to mention a serious injury to the motorist. 1
‘Drunk’ Driving
Traffic officers may notice a car travelling erratically in traffic only to find out that the driver is not drunk but is trying to deal with a spilled hot drink. 1
Distractions can hurt you and the occupants of your car, even when driving slowly
Don’t Allow Food Or Drink Containers To Lie On The Car Floor
Keep your car tidy so that no full, or empty, containers roll around the floor or off the seat. It would be scary if you tried to brake but can’t because a plastic cooldrink bottle is wedged behind the brake pedal.
Drinking A Cooldrink While Driving
As you continue to drink from a cool drink can while driving, the more you have to tilt your head upwards as it empties. By doing this you’ll naturally lose sight of the road for perhaps 2.5 seconds. Travelling at 120 km/hour means you’ll be driving ‘blind’ for 100 metres or the length of a rugby field. 1
Disclaimer
This article’s aim is to show you how to drive safely by avoiding any distractions caused by eating or drinking. 1
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Source:
1https://www.arrivealive.mobi/eating-behind-the-steering-wheel-and-distracted-driving
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
