Driving for Work: Mythbusters
52 common misconceptions – and the facts employers and drivers need to know
Myth 49: Eating or drinking at the wheel is fine
While eating or drinking at the wheel is not a specific offence in isolation, a driver who does so may be committing the offence of driving without due care and attention if their driving is affected.
Any activity that takes a hand off the wheel, diverts attention, or causes a driver to look away from the road increases risk.
Police officers have discretion to issue fixed penalties where they consider that eating or drinking has impaired driving and there have been many stories in the press about drivers who have received such penalties for eating while driving.
Employers should establish clear policies on behaviour at the wheel and promote the use of breaks for eating and drinking, rather than allowing habits that compromise attention and safety.
Driver takeaway:
Eating or drinking at the wheel diverts attention, removes a hand from the wheel, and can constitute driving without due care and attention. Use your breaks for meals – that is what they are for.
Manager takeaway:
Set a clear policy on eating and drinking while driving and reinforce it in training. Ensure that break schedules are sufficient and realistic so that drivers are not routinely skipping meal breaks due to time pressure.
A driver who eats at the wheel because they have no other option is a scheduling problem, not just a behaviour problem.
