I written numerous times about the dangers of texting and the use of hand held phones while driving. There is no doubt that texting and driving is not a good combination and the government has taken appropriate action to ban this practice. There is a new report out that suggests that people should not be eating and driving. Hagerty Classic Insurance, prepared a study looking at eating and driving and prepared a list of the ten (10) most dangerous foods to eat while driving.
The list:
Coffee: It always finds a way out of the cup.
2. Hot soup: Many people drink it like coffee and run the same risks.
3. Tacos: “A food that can disassemble itself without much help, leaving your car looking like a salad bar,” says Hagerty.
4. Chili: The potential for drips and slops down the front of clothing is significant.
5. Hamburgers: From the grease of the burger to the ketchup and mustard on top, plenty of goop can end up on your hands, clothes and steering wheel.
6. Barbecued food: Similar issue arises for barbecued foods as for hamburgers. The sauce may be great, but it will end up on whatever you touch.
7. Fried chicken: Another food that leaves you with greasy hands, which means constantly wiping them on something, even if it’s your shirt. It also makes the steering wheel greasy.
8. Jelly- or cream-filled doughnuts: Has anyone ever eaten a jelly doughnut without some of the center oozing out? And jelly can be difficult to remove from material.
9. Soft drinks: Not only are they subject to spills, but they also can fizz as you’re drinking them if you make sudden movements. Most of us have childhood memories of soda fizz in the nose; the sensation isn’t any more pleasant now.
10. Chocolate: Like greasy foods, chocolate can coat your fingers as it melts against the warmth of your skin, leaving its mark anywhere you touch. Try to clean it off the steering wheel and you could end up unintentionally swerving.
The study provided the following tips to help you avoid eating and driving:
- Leave a bit earlier to allow yourself time to stop and eat.
- If you’re traveling with someone, take turns eating and driving.
Other tips for driving safely:
- Keep your eyes on the road.
- Review maps before hitting the road.
- Do your personal grooming at home.
- Use the memory dial feature on your cell phone whenever possible.
- Keep your hands on the wheel.
- Preset your radio stations.
- Don’t try to retrieve items that fall to the floor.
- Avoid smoking, eating and drinking while driving.
- Avoid taking calls while driving.
- Teach your children the importance of good behavior in cars.
- Keep your mind on the ride.
- Ask a passenger to serve as your “co-pilot.”
- Avoid stressful/emotional/confrontational conversations either with a passenger or on your cell phone.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384.