Can you eat while driving?
With new laws being introduced regarding smoking and using a mobile phone whilst driving, another question that is often asked is, “can I eat while driving?”
While it is not illegal to eat whilst driving, if it can be proven you lost control of the car while you were eating, you could be issued with a £100 fine and 3 points on your licence as a minimum punishment. This type of fine and penalty would be given to someone who might have lost control of their vehicle with a police car following behind who witnessing the dangerous driving.
Can the fine and points be worse?
Of course. If you are eating a burger and steering with your knees, then lose control of the car and hit another road user, then the punishment would increase dramatically.
Police and paramedics would be able to put the immediate clues together – a warm burger all over the car, sauce round the driver’s mouth and cars severely damaged – and work out the driver was driving carelessly.
If there are fatalities for such a an incident, the fine would increase further. The guilty driver would lose their licence and most likely serve years in prison.
To give you an idea, death by careless driving carries a maximum term of five years in prison, increasing to 14 years if alcohol or drugs are involved.
Can you chew gum while driving?
For many people chewing gum is a habit while driving and some do it to stay more alert. You can chew gum whilst driving as long as you don’t let it distract you.
If you are chewing bubble gum and blowing big bubbles, this could be deemed (in the event of an accident and if it could be proven) as distracting in the eyes of the law. Chewing gum normally whilst driving is fine.
Can you drink while driving?
Yes you can, as long as it isn’t alcoholic and you are able to keep the car under full control whilst driving.
Did you know?
A driving instructor shouldn’t drink while the car is moving under instruction nor should they use a tablet (iPad) or mobile phone device.
Only when the car is stationary should the instructor and pupil sip on a drink.
If an instructor did this on their DVSA standards check they would be marked down and receive a lower score.
M. Rafi Ameri – driving instructor in Ealing
