Eating while driving could be dangerous

Melbourne, May 26 : Eating while driving could be dangerous, suggests a new survey.

The poll conducted by female automotive magazine website www.shebuys.com.au revealed that out of 321 respondents 68 per cent admitted that they consume fast-food while driving.

Dashboard dining car interior designs are popular among Oz people and are encouraging people to eat at wheel, though more than three quarters of the Oz people think the it could be dangerous.

"Talking on mobile phones when driving is illegal for a reason - it distracts drivers," News.com.au quoted Shireen Khalil, editor Shebuys.com.au as saying.

"While eating is a mindless activity, unwrapping a burger, holding a cup of hot coffee, eating greasy French fries, can affect a driver's concentration and reaction times," she added.

Khalil said majority of fast-food chains are encouraging the dashboard-dining phenomenon by making modifications to their packaging and menus.

Car manufacturers are producing cars equipped with mod-cons like refrigerators, built-in-eskys, numerous cup-holders and fold-down tables.

"Kia's Grand Carnival model includes 11 cup holders and four bottle holders, and on the smaller side, VW Passat caters with four drink holders and two bottle holders," she said.

"While these modifications have been a positive step in decreasing distractions, drivers should be aware that the key to safety on the roads is prevention.

"Pull over next time you feel hungry behind the wheel. Preventative measures such as this can save lives," she added.

ANI