Florida readers know that distracted driving is a major threat to the safety and well-being of every individual on the roads. Drivers and passengers are not the only people who face the dangers involved with this type of negligent behavior; pedestrians and cyclists are also at risk. Although people often associate distraction with cell phones, there are other very dangerous types of distracted driving.
One of the many sources of distracted driving is eating while driving. Most drivers have consumed a meal or a drink while operating a vehicle, and while this may seem like a benign behavior, studies show that eating is actually quite dangerous.
Why food should wait
Almost every person is guilty of eating and driving. Most people do not think that it is remotely dangerous or risky to go to a drive-thru, pay for their meal and then consume it while driving. In fact, 70 percent of people admit to doing this at least once.
While eating itself is not inherently dangerous, it can be quite distracting for a driver to eat while operating a vehicle. Distraction is always dangerous, regardless of what causes the distraction. Regarding the dangers of eating and driving, you may be interested to learn the following:
- On average, a distracted driver will take his or her eyes away from the road for approximately three seconds at a time.
- A driver who is eating may find that he or she is experiencing a significantly reduced ability to see and respond to hazards.
- Some states have gone as far to make eating while driving a criminal behavior.
When a driver is not paying attention, he or she is a risk to everyone else, including those simply crossing the road or driving their bikes to the beach. In a high-tourist area such as Fort Walton Beach, distracted driving can be a particularly significant problem.
What should you do after an accident?
An accident can have a negative impact on your life in various ways. From your physical injuries to your financial losses, the long-term effect can be significant. If you believe that distraction played a role in what you experienced, you do not have to face it alone, but you may follow the appropriate steps to hold liable parties accountable.
Through a civil claim, you can seek the compensation you deserve after a distracted driving accident. Whether the driver was eating, looking at a phone or doing something else besides driving, you are entitled to a full and fair recovery.
