We’re probably all guilty of eating in the car to some degree. You’re in a rush and that drive-thru is just oh so convenient. However, there are some very good arguments as to why we should cut back or eliminate eating in our cars.
The first argument is a simple one. Food in your car is unpleasant. The leftover wrappers, crumbs, cups and smells can build up and make your car dirty and crowded. I know I’ve had my fair share of used coffee cups pile up on the passenger floor. Now, you will find most American vehicles packed with cup holders and places to put food, which was not the case just a few years ago. With fast food blowing up, the convenience and ease of eating in your car is becoming more and more acceptable, but not necessarily better or safer.
According to a study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, eating and driving increases the driver’s risk of an accident by 80%. They also found that 65% of near-miss accidents were caused by drivers distracted by food or drink. Most of us don’t even think of eating and drinking as distracted driving. When you’re chowing down on a burger or you spill your soda, your attention is immediately divided, making for unsafe driving conditions.
However disappointing it is, coffee is one of the most dangerous and messy things you can have in your car. When it spills on you, it’s hot and your first instinct is not to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, but to clean it up. When is spills in your car, you’re confronted with the dilemma of having coffee permanently set into your vehicle.
Any way you look at it, we should strive to cut back on the amount of food and drink we’re consuming in our cars. It’s unsafe and distracting, and it’s not great for your car, either!
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