Eating and driving might be considered being distracted while at the wheel. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Peachtree City. It can lead to severe injuries for both the driver, passengers, and pedestrians. When most people think of distracted driving, what comes to mind is talking and texting. However, eating while driving a car is another way distracted driving behavior occurs. Peachtree City is very proactive in minimizing the number of car accidents caused by distracted driving.
In this article, The Weinstein Firm lawyers will help you understand whether or not eating and driving is illegal in Peachtree City. We will also help you understand the compensations you can receive if involved in a car accident due to a driver’s distracted driving behaviors.
Distracted Driving Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates over 20,000 people died in car accidents in the US in the first half of 2021. They discovered that distracted driving was one of the most significant factors causing the accident. The administration found that when it comes to paying attention and recognizing scenarios requiring a response, drivers usually engage in internal thoughts before the accident.
Some of the common causes of internal distractions include:
- General inattention
- Family issues
- Previous arguments
- Personal issues
- Future events
- Financial problems
Age also plays a significant role in distracted driving as the age groups with the highest percentage of car crashes are between 26 and 64 years old. This age group accounts for 59% of distracted driving accidents. To prevent the rate of distracted driving accidents, the law in Peachtree City is that a novice driver or bus driver cannot use handheld or hands-free cell phones. Additionally, all drivers are forbidden from texting while they’re driving to prevent car accidents in Peachtree City.
The Law Concerning Eating and Driving in Peachtree City
Georgia Code Title 40 Motor Vehicles and Traffic Chapter 6 – Uniform Rules of the Road Article 11 – Miscellaneous Provisions 40-6-241 states that “a driver shall exercise due care in operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state and shall not engage in any actions which shall distract such driver from the safe operation of such vehicle.” This language is quite broad and justifies citing someone with distracting driving for any offense. One of these offenses is eating and drinking while driving in Peachtree City.
Police have been known to charge people with distracted driving because they were eating and drinking behind the wheels. Although people think eating behind the wheel isn’t as risky as using your smartphone, any behavior that requires taking your eyes off the road can lead to a severe accident.
The three types of distracted driving are visual distractions when a person looks away from the road, cognitive distractions when their attention is taken by something else, and manual distractions when they take their hand off the wheels. All three types of distraction are present when you’re eating while driving. Therefore, it is illegal in Peachtree City to eat while driving.
Dangerous Food to Eat While Driving
The NHTSA also shared information about some foods that you should not consume while you’re driving. The list of foods below is dangerous because they’re likely to burn the driver, spill on the driver or give the driver sticky hands. In any case, they could cause a distraction leading to car accidents in Peachtree City.
- Coffee
- Chili dogs
- Chocolate
- Fried chicken
- Cream-filled doughnuts
- Hot soup
- Barbecued foods
- Tacos
- Carbonated drinks and more
Eating and Driving Could Cause Serious Accident Injuries
Every type of distracted driving can cause accidents on the road. That’s why the laws surrounding distracted driving are becoming stricter. Some of the injuries you can suffer when involved in an accident where the driver is eating and driving includes:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Crush injuries and several others
If you’re involved in an accident where the driver was distracted by eating while driving, you will have to prove fault. Therefore, you should take photos if you can. Also, if there are witnesses, getting their contact information is imperative in such cases.
Contact a Professional Peachtree City Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If you or someone you care about is involved in an accident where the driver was distracted by eating while driving, chances are injuries were sustained. Unfortunately, determining liability in such cases can be complicated without the assistance of a skilled Peachtree City car accident lawyer.
Our lawyers at The Weinstein Firm possess all the resources to help you get the evidence you need to prove liability. You can contact our experienced attorneys today for a free consultation. In addition, our lawyers ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for suffering injuries due to someone’s negligent actions.
