Car Insurance News from Be Wiser

Driving Rules: Don’t Eat And Drive

Motorists who eat and drink at the wheel are twice as likely to have an accident. Drivers are usually more cautious, and drive slower than normal- but they are often unable to break in time to avoid collision.

Because the risk of driving while eating is as high as using a mobile phone those who do will receive the same punishment. The fixed penalty has been raised from £30 to £60 and three penalty points will now be added to your license.

Each year, around 25,300 drivers are convicted of ’driving without due care and attention’, whether it’s eating an apple, map reading or listening to loud music, drivers could face a rise of up to £300 on their car insurance premiums.

Motorists should consider the consequences of their actions, eating behind the wheel could add 40% to the cost of their car insurance. However insurance companies will look at evidence which shows whether a driver is more risky before they hike up their premiums - but with ‘driving without due care and attention’ on their license motorists are likely to face higher premiums.

It comes down to the discretion of the police as to whether motorists are given a warning or whether they are fined and have points added to their license- in the past motorists have been fined for eating an apple or snacking on a chocolate bar while driving, as this is seen as distracting and dangerous.

Research has suggested that simple actions such as opening food packaging can have a serious effect on driver’s concentration. The results revealed that being distracting in this way can cause motorists to cross lanes, go off the road, speed and occasionally be involved in a collision.

Motorists in the UK may not perceive the risk of eating while behind the wheel to be any higher than other basic in-car tasks, but the impaired reactions combined with the increased workload suggests drivers should exert more caution.

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