Eating while driving is illegal? Australia has no specific rules against eating or drinking a non-alcholic beverages while driving. Eating a meal while driving can be tempting if you’re rushing late or travelling a long distance. However, eating or drinking while driving is more harmful than you imagine. Most drivers eat while driving. Although it looks innocent, some cuisines are not suitable for cruising.
While it is unlawful to drink alcohol while driving in Australia, whether you are over the limit or not, there are no regulations prohibiting you from eating or drinking non-alcoholic beverages while driving.
So does Australia forbid eating while going? This post answers that question. Scroll down for a list of foods to avoid while driving and healthier alternatives.
Is Eating While Driving Illegal?
Australia or NSW does not prohibit eating while driving. Some drivers have been charged for eating while driving, as jurisdictions define risky driving differently. For example, a 19-year-old Perth woman was fined $300 and given three penalty points for driving recklessly. Thus, eating while driving may be illegal.
NSW drivers can eat. But the NSW state government is pushing down on hazardous driving. That involved upholding laws. However, “distracted driving” has been used a lot, which could lead to a definition that includes eating while driving.
NSW Recognises The Risks Of Distracted Driving But Eating While Driving Is Legal
The transport department’s distracted driving page includes radio station changes as non-illegal diversions. If new evidence emerges, they may modify the legislation if they’ve noted possible concerns that aren’t prohibited.
NSW research indicated that eating while driving is as harmful as texting. Thus, amending the law may be closer than you think!
Eat While Driving? Research Varies
One study indicated that eating while driving was as dangerous as texting. Eating and accidents were weakly linked in other studies.
However, anything that distracts you from driving is risky. Eating while driving may be unsafe. Our hectic lifestyles make it inevitable. We have compiled a list of meals to avoid while driving and safer alternatives.
Driving while distracted violates New South Wales Road Rule 297(1), which reads, in part, that “a driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has sufficient control of the vehicle,” as stated on the NRMA website.
“Depending on the circumstances, if eating while driving interferes with a driver’s control of the car, the motorist may be committing an offence.” These offences are assessed case-by-case, with punishments varying by state and region.
The NRMA also advises that drivers caught touching up their cosmetics may be charged with “driving a vehicle without control,” with fines of up to $600.
Food To Avoid Eating While Driving
- Hamburgers
Because of drive-through fast food, this is one of the most common foods consumed while driving. They are, however, severe distractions because they require two hands to eat! People have been charged for driving while eating hamburgers in other countries, so it’s likely it might happen to you! To be safe, get French fries. You might even choose one-handed fast food such as nuggets or popcorn chicken.
- Cereal
This does occur. Often. Quite frequently. We understand that you have a lengthy commute and want to eat breakfast before heading to work. But cereal requires two hands to eat, and all that liquid is a recipe for disaster. So try a crunchy granola snack instead of a crunchy chocolate milkshake.
- Ice Cream
The essential ice cream has already caused traffic problems. An ex-premier league footballer caused a traffic jam by eating ice cream while driving. What occurred after that? He was imprisoned for 18 months! So why not have a chocolate bar instead of ice cream? You’ll still get a sugar high, but you won’t risk a disastrous melt-on-your-jeans situation.
- Noodles
Anything that requires utensils to eat is probably not safe to consume while driving. Noodles are near the top of that list, as they need chopsticks, a fork, and another hand to hold the dish.
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For more information regards to drink driving: FAQ about drink driving charges, How to challenge drink driving charges
