You have likely heard enough horror stories told by people in Los Angeles to avoid even considering getting behind the wheel after having been drinking. That same might true of texting or talking on your cell phone while driving. Yet our team here at Pheffer Law can attest to the fact that there are several other distractions that can make you or others dangerous while behind the wheel. What is more, these forms of distraction may present an even greater threat given that they are activities that most would view as being mundane and harmless.
For example, take eating while driving. This is likely something that you have done many times before. Eating may seem like such a natural function to you that you do not view it as being distracting in any way. Consider, however, the three main types of distractions that hinder drivers:
- Manual distractions: Activities that require you to take your hands off the steering wheel.
- Cognitive distractions: Activities that cause you to divert your attention away from the road.
- Visual distractions: Activities that cause you to look away from the road immediately ahead of you.
Eating while driving can easily introduce all three of these distractions. If you are still not convinced of its potential danger, consider that The Auto Alliance (in partnership with The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) has compiled data that shows that drivers who eat behind the wheel are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a car accident.
Conversely, evidence of a driver eating while driving (e.g., food wrappers, fresh spills or stains on clothing or a car’s interior) may indicate that a driver that hit you was also distracted (thus helping assign liability in your case). More information on distracted driving can be found here on our site.
