While we all know the honest, decent, British bacon sandwich is not good for you, but a new report suggests it could be even more harmful to your health: eating while driving is apparently more dangerous than using a phone or being over the limit.
Researchers at the University of Leeds found that reaction times of motorists who ate while driving were up to 44 per cent slower than usual.
Motorists who used their phones to send text messages were 37.4 per cent slower to react, a hands-free mobile conversation slowed reaction times by 26.5 per cent. When sipping a drink, responses were up to 22 per cent slower (drivers were 18 per cent more likely to experience poor lane control). Those over the alcohol limit were 12.5 per cent slower.
Professor Samantha Jamson, from the University of Leeds, commented: “It is accepted that the distraction of talking on a hand-held mobile phone may increase accident risk. However, other activities that involve taking one hand off the wheel, such as eating or drinking, may also cause distraction. Drivers take their eyes off the road in order to reach for or unwrap items.”
