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18/08/2006
Eating as risky as handheld phones while driving
Eating while driving nearly doubles the risk of having an accident while driving.
Motorists tend to drive more slowly while eating, but are more likely not to stop in sufficient time to avoid a crash.
Researchers attributed the additional “workload” of the eating task as contributing to a reduction in driver reaction times.
The small scale study commissioned by Privilege Insurance conducted at Brunel University indicates that eating while driving is potentially as hazardous as using a handheld mobile phone which attracts a fixed penalty fine + three points on the driver's licence.
However, road safety organisations have pointed out that lack of clear legislation regarding eating while driving is misleading people into thinking that it is safe.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises people to stop in a safe place to eat while driving.
(SP)
Motorists tend to drive more slowly while eating, but are more likely not to stop in sufficient time to avoid a crash.
Researchers attributed the additional “workload” of the eating task as contributing to a reduction in driver reaction times.
The small scale study commissioned by Privilege Insurance conducted at Brunel University indicates that eating while driving is potentially as hazardous as using a handheld mobile phone which attracts a fixed penalty fine + three points on the driver's licence.
However, road safety organisations have pointed out that lack of clear legislation regarding eating while driving is misleading people into thinking that it is safe.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises people to stop in a safe place to eat while driving.
(SP)
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