In case you don't realize it, eating while driving is another form of distracted driving.
In order to put the food in your
mouth, you have to have at least one hand off the wheel. (You really
need to have both hands on the wheel as much as possible.)
On this page, we're going to detail reasons why eating behind the wheel of your truck -- while driving -- can be costly.
The impetus behind this page was yet another article about a trucker who choked on food which he was eating while driving.
This trucker passed out (lost consciousness), veered across Interstate 80, crashed head-on into a car and killed both the car's driver and passenger.
Consequently, the freeway was shut down for hours.
Obviously, an accident won't happen every time a trucker chokes; furthermore, choking can happen for reasons other than eating.
Still, the event listed above is not the only article we have read about a choking trucker winding up in an accident.
Here are some more examples:
We previously wrote about truckers saying it was the fault of the food or some other distraction for causing an accident.
In cases where truckers are eating while driving, they have made the choice not to park to do so.
They created their own distraction and are not in total control of their rigs.
This ought not to be!
What's even worse than using one hand for eating is using both hands, as one would need to do for eating wet foods (like cereal in milk or chili) or big foods (like a sub sandwich).
There are other types of distracted driving besides eating while driving, like drinking any kind of beverage while driving (even if it's just water).
We urge you to do all that is within your power not to be distracted by anything while driving a truck.
Money saving tip:
We're not going to argue the point that "some foods are
better than others" to eat while driving.
One hand off the wheel can still lead to problems.
Professional truck drivers ought at all times to be professional.
If your delivery schedule is too tight, work with your driver manager to re-schedule your appointment.
We recommend that you pull over and park periodically for stretch breaks anyway.
Why can't you use part of that time to eat a healthy snack?
Begin with the end in mind. If the goal is for you and the rest of the motoring public around you to be safe, then model best practices regarding the operation of your truck.
Return from Reasons Why Eating While Driving a Truck Can Be Costly to our Truck Operations page or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
References:
1. http://www.thecollaredsheep.com/trucker-chokes-on-pork-rind-crashes/ (no longer online)
2. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-6162909-504083.html (no longer online)
3. http://www.truckdriversnews.com/utah-trucker-chokes-on-a-mint-crashes-in-missouri/ (no longer online)
4. http://www.old.kval.com/news/local/81380797.html (no longer online)