Eating While Driving Worse Than Drinking

Researchers from the University of Leeds have conducted a study of driver distractions and found some surprising results. Though many may believe drunk driving to be more dangerous than eating while driving, their research showed just the opposite is true.

In simulated driving experiences, increased reaction times were observed for eating, texting, drinking a non-alcoholic beverage and driving drunk. Eating increased reaction times by 44 percent, texting by 37 percent and drinking by 22 percent. It was driving while intoxicated that had the lowest increase in reaction time, at 12.5 percent.

One would have to be careful when interpreting the last result, because driving while drunk causes many accidents, including fatal ones. The point of the comparison was to emphasize the relative risk of the other distractions, not to diminish concerns about drunk driving.

There are many efforts made to inform the public about the dangers of drunk driving, but comparatively little education on the hazards of eating while driving. There might also be more awareness of the danger of driving while using a cell phone, due to various bans prohibiting such activity.

“It is accepted that the distraction of talking on a hand-held mobile phone may increase accident risk. However, other activities that involve taking one hand off the wheel, such as eating or drinking, may also cause distraction,” said University of Leeds spokeswoman Professor Samantha Jamson. (Source: News.drive.com)

Driving distracted causes thousands of deaths every year, yet it is a behavior anyone can easily learn to stop. Becoming aware of the dangers involved is the first step in learning safer driving habits.

Image Credit: Tdmalone, Wiki Commons

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Laura S.

4:57AM PDT on Mar 20, 2013

People should pull over to eat so they don't get in an accident or cause accidents.

March 20
send a green star

Jude H.

8:57AM PST on Jan 20, 2013

Yup. And I agree with a commenter who mentioned the danger of phones. Recently, I've noticed that almost every single case in which a fellow driver is very low in speed, doesn't use their direction signal, doesn't respond to a traffic light, etc. they've got a cell phone up to their ear. And often, when I spot them, they still aren't paying attention to the road ahead of them. In keeping with the article, yes, all distractions are legit concerns when it comes to driving, including eating (or reaching for the coffee or soda). I'm more accustomed to the feeling of not having both hands of the wheel at all times, as I drive a standard. But we're not kids. We know the rules. Hopefully, our lazy choices won't cause an accident!

January 20
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g d c.

9:19AM PDT on Oct 15, 2012

multi-tasking while driving is a no-no...

October 15
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Michele W.

7:30AM PDT on Oct 15, 2012

Thank you

John S.

3:22AM PDT on Oct 15, 2012

I imagine so, but I think that drinking alcohol while driving is probably worse than drinking and then driving.

Donna B.

6:53PM PDT on Oct 14, 2012

People should just drive. What scares me is I see SO many people talking on their phones and they're not even paying attention. They run red lights, make turns when they shouldn't, etc.. Leave the phone alone people!

October 14
send a green star

Veronica C.

10:19PM PDT on Jun 29, 2012

Maybe eating is just as dangerous. I can't underestimate the dangers of drinking and driving.

June 29
send a green star

Laura A.

10:15PM PDT on Jun 29, 2012

If your pet is in your lap, your pet is in a VERY dangerous position and may be killed. Your driving may not be in question; what about that drinking, eating, sleeping, texting, etc. other driver?

Debra G.

12:10PM PDT on Jun 26, 2012

Not at all surprising