Drivers warned against munching at the wheel

Although many drivers would not think twice about eating a snack whilst driving or taking a drink of water or pop, a recent report has revealed that actions such as these could be construed as driving without due care and attention by insurance firms, and as such drivers that are caught doing this could face insurance premium increases of up to 40 percent.

Industry experts are warning motorists to avoid eating whilst driving or even taking a drink unless they have pulled over, otherwise they could find that the cost of cover becomes crippling.

Some insurance firms are even refusing cover for drivers that have been caught doing this whilst driving, and others make checks on whether drivers have been caught doing this when calculating insurance cover quotes. Other things that are also taken into consideration by some insurance firms are messing with the radio whilst driving, arguing with a passenger whilst driving, and smoking whilst driving, all of which can distract the driver from focussing on the road, thus increasing the likelihood of accidents.

One official from the AA said: ‘We’re all guilty of eating or drinking behind the wheel but the fact is it can be dangerous. There is a direct correlation between those convicted of driving without due care and attention, and fatal accidents. Insurance is a very black-and-white issue and the job of insurers is identifying customers who pose as possible risks. The cynical will say it is just a money-making scheme but it’s a financial incentive to encourage drivers to be more careful.’

However, the Association of British Drivers has criticised the insurance industry with one official stating: ‘They started upping the premiums for speeding but clearly this is not enough. There is no evidence people caught eating an apple or swigging water and given three points are more likely to do it again. Insurance firms need to produce evidence which shows these drivers are more risky before they hike up the premiums.’

Tags: car insurance, insurance premium increases, Financial economics, whilst driving, eating while driving