• March 13, 2019
• CMZ Law
• no comments

Is it illegal to eat and drive in Texas?

Eating while driving is an often unrecognized danger for drivers across Texas and the rest of the nation. While most of us realize that texting and driving is illegal and hazardous, we may not be aware that we can put ourselves and others in immense danger by attempting to eat and drive.  Distracted driving is said to be the cause of about a quarter of all car accidents, but many believe the true figure is far higher due to difficulties in identifying distracted drivers.  Before you eat while driving again, take a look at some frightening facts about eating and driving below.  If you or a loved one is injured in a distracted driving car accident, contact our Texas personal injury attorneys at Chandler, Mathis & Zivley for experienced legal assistance.    

Eating While Driving Statistics

Several recent studies have investigated the potential dangers of eating while driving.  According to a Lytex study, drivers that eat or drink behind the wheel are 3.6 times more likely to be in a car crash.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that driving and eating increases the likelihood of an accident by 80 percent.  Despite these dangers, 70 percent of drivers admitted to eating while driving in an Exxon Mobil survey, and even more drink beverages when on the road.  

The dangers of eating and drinking while driving lie in the extensive level of distraction these behaviors cause.  Eating and driving typically incorporates a combination of all three levels of distraction: visual distraction, manual distraction, and cognitive distraction.  Visual distraction happens when the driver’s eyes are diverted from the road, which could include looking down to open a wrapper.  Manual distraction occurs when drivers take their hands off the road, such as to hold a food item.  Lastly, cognitive distractions take a driver’s mind and focus off the road, which can happen when a driver focuses on their meal instead of the road.  

To avoid the dangers of eating while driving, it is imperative that you wait to eat or eat before leaving your house.  Pull over to eat if you must eat on the road. With some planning, you can ensure that you do not become a distracted driver.