Eating and driving statistics
In 2020, NHTSA reported that distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 people in America. Although not all of these fatalities can be attributed to driving while eating, it shows how deadly distraction can be on the streets. Additionally that year saw approximately four hundred thousand people being injured due to crashes involving distracted drivers.
When looking at historical data of driving while eating, one sees an alarming trend; deaths resulting from distractions caused by drivers have been rising consistently over time. According to historical eating while driving statistics,in 2019, there were 2,841deaths which increased to 3,142 deaths last year representing a 10.6% increase. This upward movement highlights why we need to do something urgently about this problem called distracted driving especially when it comes down specifically onto such issues like consuming foods/drinking beverages during operating vehicles.
Moreover it should be noted that eating while driving statistics might not reveal everything about what’s really happening with regards to this issue since most cases go unreported or are not classified as distracted driving incidents. As a result the actual figures regarding eating while driving plus its contribution towards accidents could even be higher than those indicated by figures from these sources.
Accidents Caused By Eating While Driving
The fact is, eating while driving is now leading to many accidents on our roads hence making distracted driving become a major cause of these crashes. Eating and driving statistics from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) show that distracted driving is responsible for thousands of crashes each year resulting in injuries, property damages and even loss of lives. This alarming trend emphasizes the need for awareness and change.
Many drivers admit to snacking, sipping coffee or even having full meals behind the wheel which can lead to dangerous situations such as this one shown by eating and driving statistics. According to eating and driving statistics, this casual way of eating also contributes greatly towards the growing problem called distracted driving which involves various forms of distractions with eating being among them.
Three tips for curbing your eating and driving habit
1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
It is important that you plan your meals before you start driving so that you don’t eat while driving. You should ensure that you eat at home or somewhere safe, not in the car. This will help to keep you from wanting to eat while driving so that you can concentrate on driving safely.
2. Use Easy-to-Hold Containers
Another way to avoid eating while driving is by using containers that do not cause spills or messes. Choose those which are easy to handle without causing any form of distraction. When your meal is secure and easy to eat, then there are fewer chances of being tempted into eating while driving.
3. Stay Hydrated and Snack Wisely
Sometimes during long trips you may feel like eating while driving because you are hungry or thirsty. In order to avoid this situation it’s advisable for one to carry water which can be easily sipped while on the road. Also have with you healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, granola bars etc., which require no distraction while chewing them and concentrating on your drive.
To conclude, planning meals ahead of time, using non-spillable containers and having snacks as well as water ready will help stop eating while driving. Consequently one can now be keen on safety driving without involving themselves in such habit behind wheels.
Eating while driving accidents have severe consequences.
Eating and driving might appear convenient; nevertheless, it has hidden hazards. The first danger is distractions: while eating you are not observing the road attentively which makes you prone to accidents. Furthermore, you cannot drive well because only one hand is left for controlling the car in case of an emergency.
Another problem of eating and driving is spills and messes within a car. Also, cleaning up after oneself while driving becomes another diversion thus endangering safety. Moreover, eating and driving makes one impatient and aggressive hence hazardous driving behaviors.
Thus, do not eat and drive so as to be safe. In addition to planning meals ahead, use containers that are secure as well as taking breaks when necessary for safe eating. Therefore, shield yourself as well as other people from hidden dangers associated with eating while driving.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
There are several risks of distracted driving that you need to know, but it is possible to prevent it by seeking legal advice when necessary.
- Put Away Your Phone: Do not use your phone while driving as it distracts you. Avoid texting, calling or browsing on the road.
- Skip Eating on the Go: You may be distracted from driving by eating while driving. To concentrate better, complete your meal before you start your trip.
- Limit In-Car Distractions: Maintain tranquility inside your car and refrain from fumbling with gadgets, adjusting controls or engaging in activities that take your mind off driving.
- Plan Your Route: Before embarking on any journey, make sure that you know where exactly you are going. Set up your GPS or navigation system ahead of time before hitting the road.
- Take Breaks: It is important to take breaks during long trips. If you need to sleep or eat anything, find a safe place where you can park your vehicle aside for these purposes only and later on continue with the journey when refreshed again.
- Consult a Lawyer: Should you ever get into an accident caused by distracted driving then it would be wise enough for one to consult with an attorney regarding this matter because they will guide them through their rights and options especially if they have to go for compensation or any other legal issues related with that particular incident.
Discuss Distracted Driving with an Attorney Today.
If you have been involved in an accident caused by a driver who was distracted then it is important to talk with an attorney who specializes in personal injury law immediately after reading this article.
An experienced lawyer can explain what your rights are under these circumstances as well as help you understand how much compensation you may be entitled to based upon negligence theory analysis since every case varies greatly depending upon its facts and circumstances surrounding liability issues arising therefrom.
It’s advisable not to wait long before contacting qualified legal representation for advice regarding whether or not pursuing litigation would serve justice purposes considering that lives have been lost due careless behavior involving mobile phone usage while operating vehicles on public highways among others things done without proper attention paid towards safety rules governing use of roads within our jurisdictional borders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eating while driving is dangerous just like any other form of distraction when one is behind the wheel. These figures illustrate how widespread and hazardous such behavior can be, which explains why so many accidents stem from it. From this angle, it is necessary to recognize that collisions arising out of eating while driving may result into severe impacts ranging from physical injuries sustained up until death occurs as a result thereof. Moreover, hidden dangers such as normalizing distracted driving habits and mental distractions make the matter even worse off.
Preventing distracted driving requires a multifaceted approach which includes education, law enforcement and promotion of responsible driving habits. Therefore, together we can find ways that shall make our roads safer plus reduce accidents related to this behavior like eating while driving.
