Drivers with certain foods in their car could face fines of up to £5,000 and 9 points on their license

Drivers are being warned they could be hit with fines of up to £5,000 for eating behind the wheel, according to an insurance specialist. Drivers are urged to reconsider snacking in their vehicles to avoid increased risk of accidents and potential fines.

As drivers frequent the car, the specialists at One Sure Insurance highlight the dangers associated with having a coffee or bite while driving. Experts at One Sure Insurance said: “As the weather continues to turn nasty, we tend to see motorists coming to the drive-thru for a hot meal.”

They clarified that while it is not against the law to eat while driving, the real problem arises if the driver loses full control of the vehicle, posing a danger to himself, other road users and pedestrians. For careless driving, offenders can face immediate fines of £100 and three points on their licence.

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In more severe cases, courts have imposed fines of up to £5,000, awarded nine penalty points and issued driving bans. Section 148 of the Highway Code lists “eating and drinking” among the distractions that should be avoided, equating it with other activities such as reading a map or engaging in heated discussions with passengers.

Insurance brokers also warned: “Eating often involves using one hand and focusing away from the road, affecting concentration and reaction times. If you think you’ll be tempted to eat on the go, I recommend scheduling time for meals and snacks before or after. driving to avoid the temptation to eat while on the road.” reports Birmingham Live.

“If you’re on a long journey and you’re hungry,” they added. “Find a safe place to pull over and enjoy your meal or snack. That way, you’ll ensure you stay safe while driving and avoid putting others at risk while eating.”

“If you need to grab a quick meal, opt for drive-thru restaurants or pull into a rest area where you can park safely and enjoy your meal,” the experts explain. “If you must eat while driving,” they add, “make sure the food is easily accessible and doesn’t require extensive opening or handling.”

“Police warn that even a brief lapse in concentration can have serious consequences for road users, so you want to make sure that snacking doesn’t lead to eyes on the road.” Chris explained, “Remember, the road should always be your top priority.”

“Keep distractions to a minimum and avoid engaging in any activity that distracts you from driving.”

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