Skip to content

DON’T LET YOUR CAR BECOME A RESTAURANT ON WHEELS, SAYS GEM MOTORING ASSIST

Eating while driving doubles crash risk

ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to avoid eating and drinking while at the wheel. Attempting to eat or drink while driving is a distraction estimated to double a driver’s risk of being involved in a crash, according to recent research1. Additionally, it’s an offence punishable either by fixed penalty ticket or under careless driving legislation.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “The Highway Code tells us that we must avoid distractions such as eating and drinking when we are driving. That’s because anything that takes our attention away from the driving task will increase our risk of collision. However, too many drivers don’t see it as a problem to unwrap a pasty, sip a scalding hot coffee or glug from a large juice carton on a journey.

“Driving is a complex enough task already. So trying to do anything else at the same time just makes the journey riskier because we’re not fully focused on the driving task. If something then goes wrong, we’re likely to react more slowly because our attention is elsewhere – and when we do react, there’s the food item or beverage to deal with, too.

“Good, experienced drivers accept that eating and drinking at the wheel are dangerous, so they won’t allow these distractions to compromise safety.”

GEM offers the following points for reducing risk on journeys:

  • Make sure you are always in full control of your car. That means both hands – and all your brain – on the driving task. Focusing on anything else is a distraction that will increase the risk of a collision.
  • Plan your journeys so there’s time for snack and drinks breaks built in.
  • Stop somewhere safe, such as a proper parking area or motorway service station.
  • Don’t believe any drivers who say they can multi-task safely while driving.

Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.

WHEN YOU CLICK ON LINKS TO VARIOUS MERCHANTS ON THIS SITE AND MAKE A PURCHASE, THIS CAN RESULT IN THIS SITE EARNING A COMMISSION. AFFILIATE PROGRAMS AND AFFILIATIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE EBAY PARTNER NETWORK AND AMAZON
36387511 – pretty businesswoman having doughnut while driving in her car
New PUMA Brand BMW Motorsport Men's Full Zip Hoodie Jacket Pants Tracksuits
eBay
£134.05
New PUMA Brand BMW Motorsport Men's Full Zip Hoodie Jacket Pants Tracksuits
Drive Sidhil Memaflex Pressure Relieving cushions High Risk RRP 134 SO SOFT
eBay
£39.99
Drive Sidhil Memaflex Pressure Relieving cushions High Risk RRP 134 SO SOFT
MEN'S PUMA Essential Embroidery Logo Sweat Hoodie + Matching Pants Tracksuits
eBay
£80.83
MEN'S PUMA Essential Embroidery Logo Sweat Hoodie + Matching Pants Tracksuits
Forklift Safety Training Presentation inc Risk Ass Template & Quiz -USB Drive
eBay
£20.00
Forklift Safety Training Presentation inc Risk Ass Template & Quiz -USB Drive
PUMA Men's Redon Move Sneaker, Black/White/High Risk Red SZ 10.5
eBay
£39.62
PUMA Men's Redon Move Sneaker, Black/White/High Risk Red SZ 10.5
Profiling Electric Nursing Care Home Hospital Bed With Mattress Side Rail Kit
eBay
£1,299.00
Profiling Electric Nursing Care Home Hospital Bed With Mattress Side Rail Kit
Authentic Puma Storm Origin ® ( Men UK 11 EUR 46 ) Black / White / High-Risk Red
eBay
£47.99
Authentic Puma Storm Origin ® ( Men UK 11 EUR 46 ) Black / White / High-Risk Red
PUMA Cell Alien OG mens trainers size 9uk bnwb Black Risk Red.. free post
eBay
£50.00
PUMA Cell Alien OG mens trainers size 9uk bnwb Black Risk Red.. free post
-35%
Why We Drive: On Freedom, Risk and Taking Back Control by Crawford, Matthew The
eBay
£12.99 £20.00
Why We Drive: On Freedom, Risk and Taking Back Control by Crawford, Matthew The
Why We Drive On Freedom, Risk and Taking Back Control 9781784707958 | Brand New
eBay
£9.99
Why We Drive On Freedom, Risk and Taking Back Control 9781784707958 | Brand New
PUMA Men's Triple High Risk Basketball Shoe Size7 New Open Box
eBay
£49.13
PUMA Men's Triple High Risk Basketball Shoe Size7 New Open Box
Puma Rs-x Hard Drive Jr ‘White Risk Red Blue’ Sz 5c
eBay
£11.09
Puma Rs-x Hard Drive Jr ‘White Risk Red Blue’ Sz 5c