Industry News from Yes Insurance

Eating and drinking while driving can contribute to many accidents on UK roads and motorways, according to the results of a new survey.

Tests carried out by Brunel University have shown that consuming food or drink impairs levels of concentration on the road so as to increase the risk of an accident occurring and the need to claim on a car insurance policy.

In a simulated driving experiment, it was demonstrated that 90 per cent of accidents which occurred were caused as a result of a driver eating or drinking.

Significantly, it was found that drivers did not perceive themselves to have experienced a diminution in their driving ability.

Dr Mark Young of Brunel University, who carried out the research, confirmed that the experiments "strongly indicate" that eating or drinking when driving increases the risk of a car crash.

"Drivers may not perceive the risk to be any higher than other menial in-car tasks, but the impaired reactions combined with the increased workload suggest drivers should exert caution," he said.


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