Legality of Coffee Drinking Behind the Wheel
It is easy to be distracted, and opting for a cup of coffee while in control of a vehicle may appear to be innocuous. Nevertheless, the consequences of drinking coffee while driving may prove to be more serious than expected. The safety of our roads is the chief priority of relevant authorities – it is essential to be aware of the laws relating to consumption of beverages while driving.
The legal position reflects the clear danger of drinking coffee while driving – any action that may be deemed to be compromising road safety will not be tolerated, and could therefore incur a significant penalty. Drivers in the UK are legally obliged to stay within the limits of law by not consuming any beverage or food, or by otherwise risking a fine or penalty. It is thus important to bear in mind that any taken beverage which may impair concentration or motor skills of the driver is deemed to be illegal.
Leading transportation safety professionals have taken a clear stance on the issue – drinking coffee while driving is not recommended under any circumstance. In addition to the distraction it might cause, any liquid spillage could further limit a driver’s concentration and impair their reaction time. As a result, an accident might easily happen.
It is essential to note that the judgement of illegality in the UK is not dependent on whether coffee is spilt – the act of drinking coffee while driving’ is enough to push the judgment to the illegal realm.
The general consensus among UK authorities is that it is illegal to engage in any activity which could be deemed as distracting or impairing for a driver – which covers any consumption predicated on leaving the hands off the steering wheel. While motorists may opt for still bottled drinks, having an open container of a liquid could present its own challenges.
Moreover, there have been cases in recent years when UK authorities have argued that a driver’s consumption of coffee while behind the wheel constitutes a failing in the duty of care expected of any driver.
Research published by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), a UK organisation that promotes road safety, found that drinking coffee while driving is one of the most common offences which may lead to an accident. In their report, the IAM pointed out that in a high number of cases, accidents are caused by drivers drinking coffee, with a significant proportion of these incidents resulting in fatalities. The consequences of such negligence can be serious, and a driver’s decision to drink coffee while behind the wheel may therefore constitute a violation of the law.
Consequences for Drinkers
A driver that is found guilty of drinking coffee while driving may be subject to a multitude of consequences – from financial to criminal. A wide range of offences may be associated with drinking coffee or engaging in any other activities forward the wheel, depending on the state in which the offence has been committed. Furthermore, every European country has different laws on regulations related to drinking while operating a vehicle.
For instance, in the UK it is not expressly prohibited by law to drink coffee while driving, yet a driver may still be implicated in an offence if it is deemed that their driving was affected by the drink. This will often result in getting a £100 fine, three points on the driving licence and losing their licence in cases of repeat offence.
In other eurozone countries, the situation is not as unambiguous – while drinking while driving is illegal in certain states, it may also be tolerated if it is done in a controlled and responsible manner.
It is easy to focus on the legal side of this issue, but the point that needs to be brought up is that drinking coffee while driving can endanger lives, and thus should be avoided regardless of its legal ramifications. What is more, there have been cases in the UK where the police have been known to educate drivers that have committed the offence, warning them that drinking coffee while driving should not be seen as simply being a minor offence.
Alternatives
There are various alternatives, from travelling with an experienced driver to reducing the number of drinks consumed. A common recommendation is taking public transport and remaining alert when on the road. Drinking hot drinks such as coffee is not – in itself – deemed by the police to be a crime, but it does become illegal if it has a detrimental effect on driving ability.
When considering the options available, experts warn drivers against attempting to modify the route or trying to plan and rehearse details at the last minute. Instead, it is important to keep an eye on the road conditions and be mindful of potential hazards.
Being fully aware of the legal and safety implications of drinking while driving is essential. However, drivers that do opt for a cup of coffee while behind the wheel should pay particular attention to the amount of time taken, the speed at which their vehicle is travelling, and the overall conditions of the route. Irresponsible drinking while driving can easily cause an accident, with tragic consequences.
Legislative Ambiguity
The legal position of drinking coffee while driving is far from settled as UK and other European countries provide no explicit definition of what constitutes a “dangerous” drink in terms of immediate influence on driving. Therefore, it becomes up to the driver to exercise discretion and caution when deciding whether to opt for a cup of coffee while driving.
The ultimate goal of the relevant authorities is to promote road safety. As such, it is important for drivers to be mindful of the applicable laws regarding drinking while driving, as well as the actions that qualify as ‘distracted driving’. To remain safe, it is usually recommended to abstain from any consumption of beverages while behind the wheel.
Moreover, legislation further clarifies that there is a difference between drinking coffee while driving and holding an open cup of liquid while driving – in the latter case, it is legal to hold the drink as long as mobility is restricted and the cup is securely closed.
Of course, no legislative procedures can offer perfect clarity as to the ultimate legal decision regarding coffee drinking while driving. Nevertheless, it is important to stay observant while on the roads, and to exercise due caution.
The Bottom Line
It is easy to forget the basic rules of road safety – however, it is essential for drivers to remain alert and aware of the consequences of engaging in any distracting activities before the wheel. Even though laws in the UK may not explicitly prohibit drinking coffee while driving, still, it is important to realise that taking on the responsibility of driving should be done seriously. Therefore, drinking coffee while driving is best avoided.
Let’s all make an effort to keep our roads safe and to remain aware of consuming any drinks that could possibly impair our driving skills. Drivers should make every effort to stay observant and remain vigilant, both for their own safety and the safety of those around them.
