The Eating & Driving Epidemic

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are three main types of distracted driving can put vehicle operators (as well as other drivers and passengers on roadways) at risk:

• Visual Distractions: Cause drivers to look away from the road and car mirrors.
• Manual Distractions: Cause drivers to remove their hands from the wheel.
• Cognitive Distractions: Cause drivers to take their mind off of the road.

Alone, each type is dangerous, but in the case of eating while driving, drivers can become distracted in all three simultaneously.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 9 people are killed every day and another 1,000 are injured because of distracted driving.

Although many people may believe that eating or drinking behind the wheel does not pose a major risk, numerous reports have indicated otherwise:

• The NHTSA has found that eating or drinking while driving can increase the chances of an accident by as much as 80%.
• Lytx, a global risk management company, has determined drivers who are drinking or eating are 3.6 times more likely to be in a crash than drivers who are not.
• In a recent survey, ExxonMobil reported that 83% admitted to drinking beverages behind the wheel and 70% said they regularly eat food while driving.

Eating and/or drinking and driving is dangerous and puts the lives of other individuals at risk.

The next time you consider driving with this distraction, think of yourself, family, and other loved ones.

Don’t eat and drive.

If you, or someone you know, has been injured in a car accident that may involve employer liability, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 479-621-0006, or visit our website at nwacaraccidentattorney.com.