EATING behind the wheel is the number one bad habit for Britain’s motorists, according to a new survey.
The research by Co-operative Insurance reveals that more than half of drivers regularly munch away the miles, putting themselves and other road users at risk.
Smoking is the next worst in-car distraction while seven per cent of drivers admit to using a mobile phone on the move.
According to the Co-op drivers are increasing the chance of accidents by treating their vehicles as an extension of their office, kitchen and, even, dressing room – often at excessive speeds.
The findings revealed that only one in 10 motorists describe their driving as ‘to the speed limit’, with recent figures from The Department for Transport showing that 59 per cent of drivers break speed limits in 30mph zones.
Grant Mitchell, Co-operative Insurance spokesman, said: "Driving a car is likely to be the most hazardous thing we will do each day and yet these alarming figures show over 50 per cent of drivers are unnecessarily increasing the chances of causing or being involved in an accident.”
The research also revealed that drivers are most likely to speed when they are running late (46%), when they are in a bad mood (43%), when they are driving on the motorway (30%), when they need the toilet (21%) and when they are tired on their way to/from work (16%).
“Taking a sip of a drink or a quick bite of a sandwich whilst driving may seem harmless however the consequence of taking your full concentration off the road could result in a road traffic accident which could change lives forever,” added Mr Mitchell.
“Every time a driver has to make a claim, due to their own or another vehicle user’s irresponsible motoring habits, it undoubtedly has an effect on the motor insurance premiums of all drivers which is massively unfair on responsible road users who have to ultimately pay for other’s mistakes.”
Overall 53 per cent of drivers admitted to eating behind the wheel, 12 per cent smoked, seven per cent talk on a mobile phone and six per cent said they had put on make up while driving.
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