Drivers in Florida do well to avoid phone use, but they may still put themselves and others at risk by eating and drinking behind the wheel. In fact, eating and drinking can be just as bad as texting. A study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that eating behind the wheel raises the chances of a car crash by 80%.
Coffee, the most dangerous beverage
That same NHTSA study gave a top 10 list of the worst foods and beverages to consume while on the road. You may be surprised to hear that coffee is number one, surpassing tacos, hamburgers, chicken and other solid foods. It makes sense, though, because coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages among drivers, especially in the early morning when the majority of food-related accidents occur.
Drinking anything can be a mental, manual and visual distraction. It takes your mind and eyes off the road and your hands off the steering wheel. If the beverage spills, the distraction increases. Imagine how you would react to hot coffee spilled on your lap: Even if it’s not so hot, spilled coffee is a nuisance because it stains, and morning commuters are naturally concerned about their appearance arriving at work.
For those injured by distracted drivers
Perhaps you were in an auto accident with a coffee-drinking driver. If your injuries were so severe that personal injury protection won’t cover the losses, you have a chance at recovering damages through a third-party insurance claim.
Proving the other driver’s negligence, which is what’s required for a successful claim, may not be so difficult in your case. The driver may have already admitted to drinking coffee at the time of impact, and investigators might find a coffee spill in the car.
Nevertheless, filing a claim and negotiating a settlement may be hard without a lawyer. Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you may want to consider setting up a case evaluation.
