Is It Illegal To Drink Coffee While Driving?
Many of us rely on coffee to get the day off to the best start, but what about when we’re in the car? Although it’s impossible to banish tiredness or distractions whilst driving, we may be concerned about the potential dangers of drinking coffee on the move.
Driving whilst under the influence of coffee is not illegal, as its impact on one’s ability to drive safely is considered too slight to be affected. Nevertheless, the arrival of coffee culture and technology has led to increasing visibility of coffee-related driving fatalities over the past two decades, with nearly 8.2 million Americans having admitted to drinking coffee while behind the wheel in 2018.
What are the risks? According to experts, sipping coffee while stuck in traffic is comparatively risk free, but the faster the speed, the higher the risk. Even a modest slurp of coffee could distract the driver for long enough for a dangerous situation to arise, making it essential to ensure both hands are visible on the wheel if we intend to dive coffee safely.
In addition, coffee can also make us more prone to other risks, such as reduced reaction times when faced with hazards on the road. Some research claims that the energy-boosting effects of caffeine can enable people to drive slightly slicker than they normally would, resulting in ‘overconfidence’ which can lead to uncontrolled lane-merging, speeding and an overreliance on brakes.
Leading medical practitioner Dr. Rhonda Bassel emphasizes that although drinking coffee may not be illegal, it can be dangerous. “Although coffee is more of an issue of safety rather than legality, we have to remember that even a tiny miscalculation on the road can have massive consequences – consuming coffee while driving opens the door to a whole range of potential risks,” she said.
Distraction is also a huge factor in coffee-fuelled cases. Even with both hands on the wheel, it’s important to remember that eyes and thoughts can still stray from the road, be it through checking one’s phone, glancing at an attractive passerby, or focusing on the cup or mug in hand.
Therefore, although it isn’t illegal to drink coffee while driving, it is important to employ common sense and postpone drinking anything until you’ve reached your destination.
Risk of Injury
Studies suggest there is a higher risk of injury when drinking coffee in the car. In fact, nearly 18 million Americans were injured in car accidents in 2018, with over 6 million occupants sought medical attention due to their injuries, with a significant portion related to drinking coffee on the go. Shockingly, recent studies have shown that drivers under the influence of coffee are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash – and older drivers are particularly at risk.
The risk of injury associated with coffee drinking while driving can encompass various safety issues, including but not limited to: roadway departure, increased fatigue and inattention, reduced visibility, distraction, and unsafe speeding.
Leading road-safety expert Dr. Joel Rothman highlights that these risks can be particularly hazardous due to the unpredictable nature of vehicles. “Cars are naturally unpredictable and often react differently to how and when we expect them to. When we add coffee into the mix, the margin for error plummets,” he said.
Research into the impact of coffee drinking on vehicle occupants could not be further from conclusive, yet few can deny the importance of remaining vigilant and attentive at the wheel. Despite its legal status, drinking coffee while driving may pose significant risks to both drivers and road users alike.
Legal Repercussions
Whilst driving while under the influence of coffee is currently not illegal, drivers must remain wary of legal repercussions, as law enforcement officers are increasingly punishing drivers who they suspect have been consuming coffee while behind the wheel.
In the United States, the penalties for drinking coffee while driving can range from hefty fines to jail time, depending on the severity of the case. In extreme circumstances, offenders can also lose their license, although this usually occurs when the driver is found to be impaired through other means.
Other countries also have different rules and regulations, so it is important to familiarize oneself with local laws and regulations. As such, Norwegian drivers can be fined for having a coffee mug or cup in their car, whilst German drivers are only able to carry coffee in air-tight containers or with removable lids.
Moreover, coffee-drinking drivers can also face additional charges due to a refusal to comply with police commands, or if they are deemed to have impaired the safety of other vehicles. Therefore, it is important to obey the law irrespective of the perceived risk of drinking coffee whilst driving.
Education and Training
It is no secret that education and training are essential to help drink coffee while driving more safely – but it is also important to look beyond the basics of road safety and consider our own role as a driver. According to the U.S Department of Transportation, we should always drive defensively and with heightened awareness.
In addition, research from the Center for Disease Control has revealed that drinking coffee in the car is linked to an increased risk of road accidents, with certain elements, such as errant speeding, being particularly hard to control. Therefore, motorists should ensure they are aware of the potential dangers and arm themselves with the necessary education to avoid them.
Furthermore, motorists must aim to develop appropriate safety strategies to help them stay focused on the road and avoid distractions, such as avoiding hot liquids, multi-tasking and internet usage while driving. Such strategies could involve being extra vigilant when driving, putting the phone away and only drinking coffee once parked.
Culture and Awareness
Given that coffee drinking is an integral part of modern man and woman’s everyday life, it is vitally important to start discussing the potential risks associated with coffee-drinking behind the wheel. Although it is hard to deny the benefits of coffee in the morning or in times of need, both experts and everyday citizens need to be vigilant in understanding the hidden consequences of drinking coffee on the move.
Social events, conversations and podcasts can all serve to heighten awareness of safe driving techniques, as well highlighting the need to prioritize safety while driving. In addition, government bodies and automotive industry members can also serve to improve safety standards and help eliminate coffee-related incidents.
Unfortunately, many drivers often don’t draw the line between safe and risky behaviours, which has in turn bred a culture of normalization. To this end, it is essential that drivers of all ages and backgrounds are made aware of the dangers associated with coffee-drinking while behind the wheel.
From a Psychological Perspective
When it comes to understanding the risks associated with coffee-drinking while driving, psychologists may be able to help. Recent studies from the American Psychological Association suggest that drivers tend to overestimate their own abilities, impairing their judgement and creating a culture of overconfidence and entitlement.
Moreover, overconfidence can also lead to a false sense of security and assurance, which in turn can cause drivers to become more prone to fatigue, inattention and distraction. Such issues can be even more compounded behind the wheel as a result of coffee drinking.
As such, psychologists suggest exploring ways to manage one’s driving habits and provide guidance on how to develop smart-driving behaviours – such as setting the radio off and avoiding liquid-based beverages while driving.
In conclusion, it is important to remain mindful of the potential risks associated with drinking coffee while driving, both from a legal and safety perspective.
