Distracted driving is a clear and present danger on Missouri highways, streets and roads. Texting and cell phone use has been the main focus of the debate regarding distracted driving. In 2009, Missouri passed a law forbidding drivers under the age of 21 from texting while driving. Subsequent efforts to extend the ban to drivers of all ages have failed.

Texting isn’t the only possible distraction while driving. Recently, an Alabama law enforcement official cited a man for eating while driving. The charge has been dismissed, but the attention brought to the case by the national media raises a serious question. How much liability is there for those who are eating while driving?

A survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that eating while driving is actually more dangerous than using a cell phone while driving. According to the NHTSA research, drivers distracted by eating while driving increase their odds of an auto accident by 80%.

Why is Eating While Driving Dangerous?

Eating while driving is risky because it:
1. Prevents drivers from keeping both hands on the steering wheel. Some drivers may even try to steer with their knees, which is dangerous.
2. Takes drivers eyes off of the road.
3. Prevents drivers from noticing changes in the road conditions, road signs, changing signals and/or other dangerous drivers.
4. Slows drivers’ reaction times and prevents them from being able to avoid auto accidents.

Eating drivers who are also intoxicated, fatigued and/or inexperienced, are significantly more likely to cause an auto accident.

Top Ten Worst Foods to Eat While Driving?

The NHTSA study identified the ten worst foods for drivers eating while driving. Coffee is the worst, followed by: soup, tacos, chili dogs, hamburgers, ribs and wings, fried chicken, jelly doughnuts, soda and chocolate. ExxonMobil performed a similar survey of 1000 drivers, in which it determined that more than 70% of drivers eat while driving – and 83% drink beverages.

A handful of U.S. cities, like Huron, South Dakota, have already banned eating while driving. Drivers in Huron are faced with a $100 fine for eating while driving.

Breakfast the Most Distracting Meal?

Eating related accidents occur more often when drivers are eating breakfast on their way to work. This is especially true for drivers with manual transmission vehicles as the act of eating, shifting, and steering requires increased dexterity.

If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, contact the auto accident attorneys at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, to discuss your options.