BLOG

Eating behind the wheel: A risk you don’t need to take

Free Consultation

Book An Appointment

Eating behind the wheel is a serious risk that you shouldn’t take — but it seems like everybody does it, right?

When you eat, drink or even chew on gum while driving, there is a risk that you could choke, drop your food or drink on yourself and become distracted in ways that threaten to cause a collision.

Why is eating while driving so risky?

When you eat behind the wheel, you’re prone to three types of distractions. You may have:

Visual distractions as you look for the food or focus on unwrapping it
Cognitive distractions as you think about what you’re doing or the food you’re eating
Manual distractions as you take your hands off the wheel to obtain your food or to clean up messes from that food being dropped or spilled

It’s dangerous for any one of these distractions to occur when you’re meant to be focused on the road, but it’s even worse when they all happen together. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, eating or drinking while driving makes it more likely that drivers will get into a crash or have a near-miss. The risk increases by around 39%.

What should you do to avoid eating or drinking behind the wheel?

To minimize eating or drinking behind the wheel, it’s important to remember to eat and drink before you drive. If you need to get lunch or to have dinner while on the road, take the time to stop in a parking lot or to sit down for dinner if you can. If there is any way to prevent eating behind the wheel, you should do it to stay safer and stop a crash from happening.

Despite your best precautions, you can’t stop other drivers from risky behavior. If you’re involved in a wreck with a distracted driver, assert your right to compensation for your injuries and losses.

LET US DO ALL THE HEAVY LIFTING

Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer from Phillips, Hayden & Labbee, LLP. The sooner you get us involved, the more we can do to help you.

(727) 888-PAIN



What Our Clients Say

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Sharon Elliott

When I first called their office I was able to speak to a paralegal and an attorney right away. They answered all of my questions. Throughout the process of my case the attorneys were in constant contact with me. I knew every step of the process. The staff and attorneys were very easy to talk to. I was extremely pleased with the outcome. My medical bills were high. They managed to get my doctors to write off a lot of the bills which saved me money. PHL is a great law firm. I highly recommend them to anyone. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

REAL ESTATE CLIENT

Amber Joye Rosen, Au.D.

I called numerous attorneys, Michael Labbee was not only the only attorney to call me back at all but called me the same day during his personal time. In the consult, he confirmed my rights as a party to this contract, went over all the ramifications the seller would incur by breaking our contract, and went over cost of litigation if that’s the route I needed to take. I felt more empowered at my options. He was not only knowledgeable and to the point, but kind (yet clearly willing to go to bat to people in their place for my rights!).

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Merrill King

Outstanding attorneys. Extremely knowledgeable of the law. They don’t back down from a challenge!

BUSINESS TRANSACTION CLIENT

Cal Webster

We hired Michael Labbee to build several contracts for our business. Michael and his team are very knowledgable and professional about multi aspects of what we need help on.

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Joey Gill

After my accident I contacted Tyler Hayden to get his advice on legal help and he said don’t worry, we can take care of this and that’s exactly what that firm did. From day one I felt comfortable talking to the lawyers and knew they had my best interest. I would 100% recommend Phillips, Hayden, & Labbee to handle your personal injury case. I’m glad I did.