Most people are familiar with the dangers of drinking and driving, but many may not be aware that drinking coffee while driving can also have its risks. Can you get into legal trouble for drinking coffee while driving in California?
While caffeine is legal and deserves its deserved place as a viable pick-me-up, drinking coffee or any beverage while driving may not be the safest practice. In California and many other states, the regulating agency of distracted driving, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, advises that any activity that takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel is considered a distraction and could lead to an infraction and hefty fine.
Even though it’s not explicitly stated in the traffic laws as illegal, drinking coffee while driving is essentially frowned upon and could lead to risks that can threaten the safety of the driver and of other citizens. In essence, take the necessary precautions and think twice before reaching for that cup of java.
Caffeinated Drinks vs. Energy Drinks
Studies show that coffee does give a temporary boost of energy that can lead to improved reaction times, but this is a very small window; so chances are, since caffeine affects people differently, it won’t make a noticeable change in performance and alertness. In fact, there is some evidence that points to the insignificant reflex boost you can get from coffee being almost purely a placebo effect.
On the other hand, energy drinks contain a higher concentration of caffeine and stimulants than coffee, meaning they pose a greater risk if consumed while driving. Energy drinks also contain a host of additional ingredients, such as taurine, glucuronolactone, and B vitamins. Because of the higher caffeine content and number of stimulants, drivers should stay alert to the risks of consuming energy drinks while driving and take extra precaution when operating a motor vehicle.
California is one of the many states that don’t have an outright ban against drinking coffee while driving, but also doesn’t have any laws in place to allow for it either.
The Risk of a Citation
If an officer notices a driver drinking coffee while driving, they can pull you over and issue you a citation for distracted driving. The officer might issue it as a warning, or for more serious infractions, it could end up costing up to $160 in California.
There have been court rulings that state that drinking coffee while driving is not considered negligent driving, but such rulings have been quite limited.
It’s important to note that while it might not be considered a criminal offense, drinking coffee while driving can still be cited as an infraction, as well as being subject to civil damages if it results in a crash.
How to Safely Enjoy Your Coffee
If you really want to enjoy a cup of joe while on the road, the best way is to find a safe place to stop and take a break. Whether it’s a parking lot or a rest stop, you’ll be able to drink your coffee in safety and not risk any potential tickets or dangers.
In the end, it’s best to stay away from drinking coffee or any other beverage while driving, as it raises the risks of an accident due to a potential loss of control and reaction time, which could result in serious injury or even death.
Road Rage and Other Hazards
A riskier issue when dealing with caffeine consumption and driving is the potential for road rage. Coffee can give drivers a false sense of superiority and lead to aggressive driving, which can in turn lead to an accident. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking coffee while driving, as it can put other drivers, pedestrians, and yourself in danger.
Another risk is the potential for spilled coffee. This can easily distract a driver and lead to an accident. Spilled coffee is also considered a hazardous material since oils in the coffee can ruin the asphalt, leading to a road hazard. Therefore, it’s best to be careful and not drink coffee while driving.
The Argument on the Ethics of Coffee Drinking While Driving
For the most part, the general consensus is that one should avoid drinking coffee while driving, however, there are a few who argue that drinking coffee while driving is okay as long as the driver is still paying attention to the road and not being reckless.
Contrary to that, many feel that drinking coffee while driving is unethical as they feel that it contributes to the potential of an accident occurring. Some even go as far as to say that the act of drinking coffee is violative of both state and federal traffic laws.
What it Boils Down To
At the end of the day, it is safe to say that drinking coffee while driving should be avoided. While coffee may give you that pick-me-up, it can also lead to riskier driving and unsafe road conditions. There are many risks of drinking coffee while driving and, ultimately, it is best to just stay away from it all together.
The Legalities of Coffee Drinking While Driving
Under current California state laws, drinking coffee while driving is not explicitly stated as illegal, however, it can be cited under the charge of distracted driving if the officer observed that it diverted the driver’s attention away from the task of driving.
It is also important to consider that, because many distracted driving offenses are classified as moving violations, they will go on one’s driving record and can potentially hike up insurance rates.
Coffee and Driving: The Verdict
All things considered, the risks of drinking coffee while driving outweigh the benefits, so it is best to save your cup of coffee for when you are no longer behind the wheel. This is the safest and most responsible way to go about it and will also save you from any potential headache from a citation.
