Eating while driving

Research has been carried about the effects of eating whilst behind the wheel and like other distractions such as putting in a new CD, this can cause accidents and also hinder judgement. If you eat while driving, there is high risk that you will not spot potential hazards such as people crossing the road or pulling out in front of you. As more and more people have caused accidents whilst eating and driving, there are now consequences for those who get caught. I'm sure when you are on the car journey to work, you see many people eating and drinking behind the wheel. Most often or not, you will find that people eat and drive when on the motorway as well. Eating and driving at the same time should be avoided at all times. Not only can you endanger your life but the lives of others too!

##Consequences of eating while driving

If you are caught drinking or eating at the wheel, you could pay a fine of £60 plus 3 penalty points on your licence. Eating while driving carries the same distractions as talking on a mobile phone whilst driving and if you are found to be driving carelessly, you could also be charged with driving recklessly. Being charged with driving recklessly can result in 3-9 points and also a hefty fine. In 2008 a new law was put into place for those who kill due to eating whilst driving. Now a driver could be put in prison for up to 5 years with also a maximum fine of £5,000.

Eating while driving in the news

• In 2009 a lorry driver was fined £250 for steering the wheel of the car with his elbows whilst at a large roundabout; he was eating a packet of crisps.
• A nurse was fined £60 for driving round a bend whilst holding an apple in her hand. The police officer used camera image from his car as evidence.
• An accountant was fined £40 for drinking from a bottle of water at the traffic lights and driving off whilst still holding the bottle.
• In 2001 a lecturer was jailed for 90 days for causing a car crash on the M1 after admitting he was looking for a mint in his jacket pocket when he lost control of the car.
• In 2003 a man was jailed for 30 months for killing a pregnant woman on the M1 whilst he took his eyes off the road so he could drink some water.

So next time you feel hungry when you're behind the wheel, think about the consequences of driving whilst eating before you grab your snack or reach out for your drink!