Eating-and-driving on the increase 

MOTORISTS' appetite for eating-and-driving is on the increase.

More than three in five drivers admitted to eating at the wheel in the past year, a UK survey by road safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line showed.
Based on responses from 1000 drivers, the survey showed that in the last 12 months:
- A total of 29 per cent have opened and eaten food at the wheel;

- Another 33 per cent admitted they had eaten food that was unwrapped and passed to them by a passenger;
- Two per cent have narrowly avoided a crash, having had to brake or swerve to avoid a hazard because they were distracted by food or drink;
- Five per cent have shaved, combed hair or applied make-up in free-flowing traffic, while 15 per cent have carried out personal grooming while their vehicle was stationary.
Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: "Driving is the most complicated and risky thing most of us do on a regular basis, so it is vital we give it our full and undivided attention. We can't afford to treat our cars as an extension of our kitchen or bathroom.
"Eating at the wheel often means taking your eyes, hands and mind off the road and dramatically increases your chances of crashing and killing or seriously injuring someone."
She added: "Drivers need to take regular breaks and make time away from their vehicles to enjoy lunch or perform other tasks.
"We are also appealing to the government to increase fines for distraction and careless driving offences, to stop risky multi-tasking drivers."
Direct Line's motor director Rob Miles said: "It's imperative that motorists focus their full attention on the road.
"There has been significant research into the increase in drivers' reaction times while talking on a mobile phone, but other in-car distractions that take the driver's attention away from the road can be equally harmful."

source-www.news.com