Texting and driving receives a great deal of attention from law enforcement officials, advocacy groups and government officials, as it should. If you use a smartphone while driving, you present a significant risk to everyone on the road.
However, smartphones aren’t the only distraction that could lead to devastating crashes. A much more low-tech distraction could do so as well. For instance, if you are eating while driving, it presents a danger also.
You have to eat, but not while you drive
Like most people these days, you more than likely lead a busy life. You may spend a substantial amount of time in your vehicle getting from one destination to another. You may feel as though this is the only time you have to eat, and with all of the drive-thru options available, you don’t even have to get out of your vehicle. The problem is that this “convenience” could ultimately prove expensive when it comes to injuries and other damages. Below are compelling reasons why not to eat and drive:
- You may need to unwrap the straw that goes with your drink, which requires your hands and eyes.
- Drinking from a large to-go cup without a straw will obstruct your field of vision.
- The 20-ounce cups, which are quite popular, can be awkward to handle, and move in and out of your vehicle’s cup holder.
- At some point as you eat, you will have to remove your hands from the wheel and focus your mind on your food. Perhaps you will need to unwrap a burger, open sauce packets or dig through a paper bag, which usually takes your hands, mind and eyes off the road.
The refuse from your on-the-go meals could clutter up your vehicle and cause a distraction if it shifts around your vehicle. In addition, if you have passengers eating in your vehicle, it could serve as a distraction as well since you will have extra noise and smells as they eat. Of course, the better option would be not to eat while your vehicle is in motion. If you need to take some time to eat in your car in a parking lot, at the restaurant or in your office, that would save you from eating while you drive.
The time you spend not driving and eating could save your life and the lives of others. Even if you aren’t eating behind the wheel, however, you can’t count on others not to do so. If you end up in an accident with someone having lunch or dinner as they drive, you could suffer serious injuries. You could spend a substantial amount of time recovering, incurring medical expenses and losing income. Fortunately, Colorado law allows you the opportunity to pursue compensation for your financial and other damages.
