The state of Florida has several laws designed to fight against distracted driving cases. While you may be aware of some of these laws, others may not be as well-known.
For example, you know texting and driving is illegal in Orlando, but what other activities does the law prohibit? You may wonder if it’s legal to eat while driving. Keep reading to find out more.
Food and Florida’s Distracted Driving Law
Florida has made several improvements to distracted driving laws in the past few years. However, it is still not considered illegal to eat while you are behind the wheel. A police officer can pull you over if eating or drinking while driving results in a traffic violation.
Keep in mind, though, that just because you can legally eat while driving does not mean you should engage in this action. In fact, according to the NHTSA, eating while driving is one of the top ways motorists become distracted. Several traffic accidents can be related to these distractions, which is why it’s best to avoid doing this.
Some of the specific reasons you should avoid eating and drinking while driving include:
You Take Your Hands Off the Wheel
If you eat or drink while driving, you must take at least one of your hands off the steering wheel. This may keep you from controlling your vehicle or being able to avoid a hazard that appears suddenly. Even though eating and driving aren’t illegal, it’s best to get both hands on the wheel all the time.
You Take Your Eyes Off the Road
It’s important for motorists to always keep their eyes on the road. Even if you look away from the road for a moment, you may cause an accident.
Sometimes, traffic hazards require split-second reaction times. Road conditions may also result in traffic jams. If you take your eyes off the road to find your food or drink, it increases the risk of a car accident.
Your Food May Surprise You
There are a few ways food and drinks may impact your driving. These include:
- Eating or drinking something that causes sudden nausea
- Sipping from a hot drink that is hotter than you thought
- You choke on something
- You spill something on yourself
It is always in your best interest to reduce the possibility of surprises while you are behind the wheel. One of the best ways to do this is by avoiding eating or drinking.
Other Tips to Reduce Cases of Distracted Driving
Deciding not to eat or drink while behind the wheel is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of distracted driving accidents. Some other tips include:
- When emotional pull over
- Turn your phone off
- Worry less about the radio
- Never drive drowsy
Make sure you understand that your actions don’t have to be illegal for them to be considered unsafe. You can eat and drink behind the wheel, but you should avoid this to protect yourself and others on the road.
Hire an Attorney for Help
If you are involved in an accident with a distracted driver in Orlando, you have rights. Contact an Orlando car accident lawyer to learn about what rights you have.
