When people hear the phrase “distracted driving,” their minds usually jump to texting or using a phone. But there’s another common behavior that can be just as dangerous—eating behind the wheel. While it might seem harmless to grab a quick bite during your commute or sip coffee on the way to work, eating while driving can significantly increase the risk of a crash.
Eating while driving is a form of manual, visual and cognitive distraction. Your hands leave the wheel to unwrap food or handle a drink. Your eyes drift from the road to look at what you’re doing. And your focus shifts away from driving to managing crumbs, spills or navigating food containers. All of these distractions, even if momentary, can make it harder to respond to traffic changes or emergencies.
While legal, eating while driving is an opportunity best avoided
Studies have shown that drivers who eat behind the wheel are more likely to be involved in an accident. Fast food, in particular, is often consumed quickly and carelessly, leading to spills and reactions that take attention off the road. For example, a hot coffee spill could result in a knee-jerk reaction that causes a driver to veer into another lane. Greasy fingers might reduce grip on the steering wheel. Reaching for napkins could mean taking eyes off the road for several seconds—long enough to cause a serious collision.
Legally, while eating and driving isn’t outright prohibited, it can still lead to citations or liability if it results in reckless or inattentive driving. If someone causes a crash because they were distracted by food, they may be found negligent. For injury victims, proving this kind of distraction can be an important part of a personal injury claim. Witness statements, traffic camera footage or even food remnants in the car can be used as evidence that a driver’s actions were unsafe.
For those injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, including someone who was eating, legal options are available. A skilled legal team can investigate the circumstances of a crash and pursue compensation for victims accordingly. Holding distracted drivers accountable helps promote safer roads for everyone.
So, the next time hunger strikes on the road, think twice. It’s better to pull over, eat safely and return to driving with your full attention. No meal or coffee is worth the risk of a life-changing crash. Eating and driving might seem harmless—but in many cases, it’s a recipe for disaster.