Drinking and eating whilst driving

Helpful hints and tips.plus some good offers from ur specialists and advice on motoring abroad
Post Reply
User avatar
thedupleman
Club Owner
Posts: 16736
Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:14 pm
Real Name:
Coupe: s-Coupe (1991-1996)
Engine: 2.0
Location: Hcoc bunker, sandbach
+_number: 0002
Has thanked: 41 times
Been thanked: 154 times
Contact:

Drinking and eating whilst driving

#1

Post by thedupleman »

Drinking and eating while driving doubles the likelihood of having a car crash. Drivers caught drinking and eating at the wheel could be convicted of driving without due care and attention (CD10).

The Dangers of Drinking and Eating While Driving
Drinking and eating at the wheel can cause a mental overload that diminishes the ability to deal with other events on the road. A study by Brunel University found that the number of crashes actually doubled with drivers who were eating and drinking while driving. Many drivers may view drinking and eating while driving as a fairly inconsequential act but it can easily lead to serious road traffic accidents. Driving without due care and attention (CD10) may be the minimum offence applied if a serious road traffic accident occurs. Around 53% of 3000 drivers surveyed admitted to consuming food and drink while driving.

Undue Care behind the Driving Wheel
The study carried out by Brunel University does show the dangers of driving while drinking and eating. But many drivers carry out a diversity of acts while driving that could lead to road accidents. Of the 3000 drivers polled, 12% admitted to smoking behind the wheel, 11% prepared for meetings and 6% applied make-up or got dressed while driving. Around 7% of drivers carried out the illegal act of using a mobile telephone while driving. In total, 54% of the 3000 surveyed claimed they had driven irresponsibly due to these acts.

Distracted Drivers Become a Police Target
The police are aware that distracted drivers can cause major road accidents. Speed cameras are frequently used to capture images of motorists drinking and eating while driving. One recent report involved an 18 year old student who completely lost control of her vehicle while eating and texting on a mobile phone while driving. It is very easy for road traffic police to spot distracted drivers, and speed cameras will help with evidence gathering. According to the police, drinking and driving at the wheel is as serious a distraction as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Penalties of Driving Without Due Care and Attention
A CD10 conviction, Driving Without Due Care and Attention, is a punishable offence. If convicted of this offence it can lead to three to nine penalty points being applied. There could also be fines applied for this offence depending on the severity of the offence. For instance, drinking and driving at the wheel may cause drivers to exceed the speed limit or cause a serious car crash endangering others. This type of offence will also undoubtedly lead to higher insurance premiums for the driver involved.

Higher Insurance Premiums When Convicted of a Motoring Offence
Increased insurance premiums will usually be applied to motorists who have been convicted of a motoring offence such as a CD10. Insurance companies have been known to refuse to give quotes for drivers who have been convicted or had penalty points applied. There has been controversy over the tactic of raising premiums even for minor traffic offences. The Association of British Drivers claim that insurers are simply looking for any excuse to make more money. But insurance companies will usually apply higher premiums to driver that they consider to have an increased risk factor.
Consequences of Drinking and Eating While Driving

Serious consequences for the perceived minor act of drinking and eating while driving can include-
Three to nine Penalty Points applied to a licence and a fine
Higher insurance premiums; as much as 40% higher than normal
Applied points could total enough for a driving disqualification
Lack of concentration can lead to very serious road accidents and increased penalty points and fines
Conviction of offences can often lead to the driver losing their job
Distracted drivers have been know to cause serious accidents including the deaths of other road users
Drinking and eating while driving may seem like a minor offence but this act can have serious consequences for drivers and road users. Not only can this act lead to convictions and higher insurance premiums but distractions can lead to the lives of other drivers being changed forever. Drivers should take the precaution of drinking and eating only at rest stops or in parking areas.


Look out guys it’s him that thinks he’s in charge!
User avatar
Mr Tuscan
Facebook support
Posts: 6330
Joined: Tue Aug 28, 2012 2:54 pm
Real Name:
Coupe: Gen3.5
Engine: 2.0
Location: Worle, Somerset
Has thanked: 110 times
Been thanked: 95 times

Re: Drinking and eating whilst driving

#2

Post by Mr Tuscan »

I know, I know and I am admitting nothing.........

From when I get in my work vehicle to the moment I get home, I drive constantly with out stopping, I'll say no more, welcome to my world!

My coupe is NOT included in this!
My Diary: Custom Korean Tuscani - viewtopic.php?f=72&t=27493
Post Reply