Drinking coffee while driving

Chuchote

I used to get a small bottle of Lucozade and a packet of crisps for the drive back to Dublin from Galway. I'm not sure when I realised that it wasn't altogether safe to be sucking back a fizzy sweet drink while going 120km/h; maybe when someone cut in and I spent the rest of the trip with sticky wet thighs and a sticky driving wheel.

McGixxer

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

But the amount of people who can't do these things is astounding.

Almost as astounding as the amount of people who do these things and think it in no way affects their concentration.

screamer

If hot coffee spilt on you it could cause you to lose control of the car. Bottled water is not the same. TBH regardless of how fantastic a driver everyone thinks they are it takes a split second lapse of concentration or distraction at high speed to crash. Anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road is dangerous.

Special Circumstances

McGixxer wrote: »

Almost as astounding as the amount of people who do these things and think it in no way affects their concentration.

screamer wrote: »

If hot coffee spilt on you it could cause you to lose control of the car. Bottled water is not the same. TBH regardless of how fantastic a driver everyone thinks they are it takes a split second lapse of concentration or distraction at high speed to crash. Anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road is dangerous.

I assume you have auto wipers, predictive auto indicators, automatic gearbox, auto lights etc. If taking a sip of a drink is such a dangerous and arduous task for you?

_Kaiser_

McGixxer wrote: »

And updating your bookface status. Surely anyone who can drive can type 'hashtag grrrr traffic jam frowney face" whilst driving, right? :rolleyes:

Ah yes.. messing with Facebook on a small shaking phone is COMPLETELY comparable to picking up and sipping from a cup/bottle without even looking down :rolleyes:

Think of the children!!! *sigh*

McGixxer

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Ah yes.. messing with Facebook on a small shaking phone is COMPLETELY comparable to picking up and sipping from a cup/bottle without even looking down :rolleyes:

Think of the children!!! *sigh*

Another straw man attack. Where did I saw it was "COMPLETELY comparable"? *sigh*

Special Circumstances

_Kaiser_

McGixxer wrote: »

Another straw man attack. Where did I saw it was "COMPLETELY comparable"? *sigh*

Did you or did you not compare taking a drink from a cup/bottle to updating your Facebook status?

Stop digging mate! :pac:

McGixxer

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Did you or did you not compare taking a drink from a cup/bottle to updating your Facebook status?

Stop digging mate! :pac:

No, I didn't, but if you'd like to show me where you think I did, I will be happy to explain it to you in words you can understand, mate?

_Kaiser_

McGixxer wrote: »

No, I didn't, but if you'd like to show me where you think I did, I will be happy to explain it to you in words you can understand, mate?

Go have another read of post 101 above.

But regardless... if you aren't comfortable drinking from a cup/bottle when driving then don't... but as I said already, don't assume that everyone else is incapable of doing so safely as well.

GerryDerpy

McGixxer wrote: »

No lack of confidence here. I've been driving for 40 years, and raced cars on track for many of those years.

If you're one of those people who doesn't care whether or not you kill someone, then work away, but don't try to twist my concerns into something else.

No, what I am is observant. I regularly see how taking 'a swig' of coffee can affect someone's driving.

Nice to see the good old "f*ck you Jack, I'm OK" attitude is still alive and well.

Sorry, didn't mean to offend. I think it's harsh to assume I am happy to kill someone.

I disagree that it is dangerous. It is relative to competency.

ThisRegard

screamer wrote: »

If hot coffee spilt on you it could cause you to lose control of the car. Bottled water is not the same. TBH regardless of how fantastic a driver everyone thinks they are it takes a split second lapse of concentration or distraction at high speed to crash. Anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road is dangerous.

Better get onto the EU and have them ban clocks, your speedo and other dials, as well as the radio. And don't forget those rear view and wing mirrors. Lethal that they are.

PaddyWilliams

As a great man once said, 'Coffee doesn't kill people, people kill people'.

Special Circumstances

McGixxer wrote: »

Another straw man attack. Where did I saw it was "COMPLETELY comparable"? *sigh*

This craic is ruining threads all over the place.

1) Say/imply/equate/associate.
2) "oh but I didn't say exactly that" fnar fnar I'm sooo clever
3) feign complete misunderstanding/miscomprehension when anyone class you out on 2)

McGixxer

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Go have another read of post 101 above.

I have no problem remembering what I wrote, and in no way does it state or suggest that drinking coffee is "COMPLETELY comparable" to updating your bookface status.

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

But regardless... if you aren't comfortable drinking from a cup/bottle when driving then don't... but as I said already, don't assume that everyone else is incapable of doing so safely as well.

Nobody is capable of doing this 'safely'. Driving is inherently dangerous, and adding any distraction to the equation is adding to the danger. Is this really so hard for you to comprehend? Do you honestly believe that drinking coffee, whilst driving, doesn't distract (or have the ability to distract) the driver... really?

GerryDerpy wrote: »

Sorry, didn't mean to offend. I think it's harsh to assume I am happy to kill someone.

I think it's harsh to assume I'm not a confident driver... touché

McGixxer

Special Circumstances wrote: »

This craic is ruining threads all over the place.

1) Say/imply/equate/associate.
2) "oh but I didn't say exactly that" fnar fnar I'm sooo clever
3) feign complete misunderstanding/miscomprehension when anyone class you out on 2)

I can see why the truth might ruin threads for you

Renegade Mechanic

PaddyWilliams wrote: »

As a great man once said, 'Coffee doesn't kill people, people kill people'.

BAN ASSAULT BEVERAGES.
The only people who should have access to liquid that hot in cups that size is the military :mad:

_Kaiser_

McGixxer wrote: »

I have no problem remembering what I wrote, and in no way does it state or suggest that drinking coffee is "COMPLETELY comparable" to updating your bookface status.

I feel like I'm back in English class, but I'm the teacher. OK, let's spell it out..

- You compared updating your Facebook status on a mobile phone while driving to taking a drink from a cup/bottle...agreed?

I responded that the two are in no way comparable (COMPLETELY being capitalised for emphasis as to how ridiculous the notion is)

Nobody is capable of doing this 'safely'. Driving is inherently dangerous, and adding any distraction to the equation is adding to the danger. Is this really so hard for you to comprehend? Do you honestly believe that drinking coffee, whilst driving, doesn't distract (or have the ability to distract) the driver... really?

YOU may not be capable of taking a drink while driving safely, fine.

Others may not be capable of doing this either.. I'll agree with this given the muppetry I witness every day on the roads, BUT... you cannot assume that everyone else has the same issues with spatial awareness (I can pick up, drink from and return a cup to the holder without looking) or multi-tasking (as I said earlier, a key requirement of driving anyway) that you are suggesting. That's just not the case.

brightspark

if you were driving with due care and ATTENTION you would have noticed the Garda car!

Next time check your mirrors before taking a swig of coffee

Special Circumstances

McGixxer wrote: »

I can see why the truth might ruin threads for you

2/10

Special Circumstances

brightspark wrote: »

if you were driving with due care and ATTENTION you would have noticed the Garda car!

Next time check your mirrors before taking a swig of coffee

Or indicate or change gear or change station on the radio

brightspark

Special Circumstances wrote: »

Or indicate or change gear or change station on the radio

It is Mirror Signal Manoeuvre, so you are right!

GerryDerpy

McGixxer wrote: »

I think it's harsh to assume I'm not a confident driver... touché

I agree, hence I apologised. Don't think I will be getting the same courtesy from you for some reason!

Is your username related to a certain GSXR motorbike? Do you feel easily distracted riding it? I have been riding a R1 for a few years now and the experience has meant a sup of coffee in the car is no distraction whatsoever!!

McGixxer

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

- You compared updating your Facebook status on a mobile phone while driving to taking a drink from a cup/bottle...agreed

No.

Special Circumstances wrote: »

2/10

Thank you

GerryDerpy wrote: »

I agree, hence I apologised. Don't think I will be getting the same courtesy from you for some reason!

You think I should apologise to you because you decided to jump on the bandwagon and try to belittle me, and I responded accordingly?
You'd be right in assuming I won't be affording you the same courtesy.

GerryDerpy wrote: »

Is your username related to a certain GSXR motorbike? Do you feel easily distracted riding it? I have been riding a R1 for a few years now and the experience has meant a sup of coffee in the car is no distraction whatsoever!!

It is, and I've been riding bikes for 40 years. I've been driving cars for the same length.
No, I'm not easily distracted, as my life depends on it. Unfortunately, my life also depends on car drivers not getting distracted, and you're kidding yourself if you think drinking coffee whilst driving doesn't or can't distract you. What if you dropped the cup of hot coffee into your lap, would that not distract you, or are you like all the other special people on here, who have special hands and have never dropped anything in their life?

_Kaiser_

McGixxer wrote: »

No.

Nothing worse than someone who can't admit when they're wrong... it undermines any other point you might make.

Mycroft H

So many strawmen in this thread.

chillin117

Being the OP I now deem myself suitably chastised and now see the error of my ways. I would like to apologise to each of you, road users and the Garda involved. I am a better,more humble person because of this and I warmly thank you all for removing that burden from my tired shoulders.
I will get my coat....

Voodoomelon

I'm off for a cappuccino at the Drive Thru.

ThisRegard

Mycroft H wrote: »

So many strawmen in this thread.

They're ****ed so when they get rear ended like that lad in the Micra who couldn't find his fag. They'd only be too glad to have a cup of coffee to help quench their burning nuts.

McGixxer

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Nothing worse than someone who can't admit when they're wrong... it undermines any other point you might make.

My sentiments exactly!

Mellor

McGixxer wrote: »

I get the feeling that everyone who thinks drinking coffee whilst driving is OK, also believes it's OK to use a mobile phone whilst driving? And it's OK to update your bookface status whilst driving, to "Just ran over a pedestrian... srsly, lol".

I've no idea whether it's illegal or it isn't, but it certainly should be illegal. It should be classed the same as using a mobile phone whilst driving, which should be treated as seriously as drinking and driving.

When the country has attitudes like this, and most people don't see a problem with driving without consideration for the safety of others, is it any wonder people get away scot-free when they use their car to kill someone, and the judge says "Ah poor Sarah really needed that coffee. Sure it was only a biker anyway."

It's unbelievable that people think this is acceptable behaviour whilst driving.

If you think drinking coffee or water is equivalent to drunk driving or using a mobile then I'm not sure that you understand the issues with the latter two tbh.

McGixxer

Mellor wrote: »

If you think drinking coffee or water is equivalent to drunk driving or using a mobile then I'm not sure that you understand the issues with the latter two tbh.

Someone else who likes to invent his own version of what I said.

Autosport

Why would you take a drink/sip when the gardai are behind/passing you? That's asking for trouble and yes I drink beverages when I drive as like some other motorists I can multitask

martingriff

savagethegoat wrote: »

there is a risk in drinking hot coffee I suppose, if you dumped the lot in your lap by accident (obviously) it could result in a major incident.

There's also the risk of driving one handed to consider.

I have an adapted car with hand controls for acceleration and breaking. Only 1 hand on the steering wheel should I be banned from driving.

I don't think the Garda was seriously thinking of bringing you to court what he was saying was if there was a situation where there was a car crash and it was shown you were drinking ot eating then yes you can and should be done for driving without care

McGixxer

screamer wrote: »

Being able to multitask has SFA to do with it. When you're driving you're driving, not eating drinking chatting on a phone Doing yet makeup or whatever. It's flippant attitudes that make the roads more dangerous than they should be. I'd rather see a dilligent driver than a multitasking muppet behind the wheel.

Finally, a sensible reply

screamer

Being able to multitask has SFA to do with it. When you're driving you're driving, not eating drinking chatting on a phone Doing yet makeup or whatever. It's flippant attitudes that make the roads more dangerous than they should be. I'd rather see a dilligent driver than a multitasking muppet behind the wheel.

ThisRegard

How many deaths or serious injuries have been the result of someone taking a sip while driving?

screamer

Probably more than reported after all who'd admit to crashing because they were sampling their morning latte..... look fairly stupid now wouldn't they.......

chillin117

How many single car crashes are suicide ? Quite a few I would think

ThisRegard

screamer wrote: »

Probably more than reported after all who'd admit to crashing because they were sampling their morning latte..... look fairly stupid now wouldn't they.......

It'll be fairly evident in an accident, wouldn't it.

chillin117

ThisRegard wrote: »

It'll be fairly evident in an accident, wouldn't it.

Is that aimed at me ?

McGixxer

ThisRegard wrote: »

How many deaths or serious injuries have been the result of someone taking a sip while driving?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that eating and driving increases the likelihood of crashes by 80 percent. Additionally, 65 percent of near-miss crashes are caused by distracted drivers who are eating or drinking while driving

http://www.decidetodrive.org/distracted-driving-dangerous/eating-driving/

Mellor

McGixxer wrote: »

Someone else who likes to invent his own version of what I said.

You literally compared then, and said they should be treated the same.
But keep back pedalling, it has to start working soon

McGixxer

Mellor wrote: »

You literally compared then, and said they should be treated the same.
But keep back pedalling, it has to start working soon

You literally have no clue what you're talking about.
But carry on, it's entertaining.

martingriff

GerryDerpy wrote: »

Maybe it's possible that you are not a confident driver and therefore feel it unsafe to swig from a coffee while driving? Does the same go for water? Would you actually feel the need to pull over to take a drink?

I think people lacking such confidence in their driving shouldn't project their own limitations on competent drivers. It is a bit like the eejit that does something stupid while on drugs and gets them banned for the rest of us :-D

You do know that you are not the only person who uses the roads right. You may be competent enough to go 140 on a dual carriage way you be competent to swig from a coffee, coke etc but others have not you have a duty of care not just for you but those around you. A lot of the times I hear of people who say I am a great driver I can go 140, 160 those are the one who would more than likely fail a driving test if they did it again

McGixxer

I find it quite amusing that some people think drinking coffee is in no way a distraction whilst driving. In the same breath, I find it extremely worrying, that I have to share the roads with those idiots.

Noccy_Mondy

Whatever about a coffee cup, there's a lot more hardship involved with taking a drink from a bottle, you need one hand to hold the bottle, another to open it, that's where the knees come in handy

demanufactured

Is that what the cup holders are for?
I use them for my can of beer.

brightspark

McGixxer wrote: »

I find it quite amusing that some people think drinking coffee is in no way a distraction whilst driving. In the same breath, I find it extremely worrying, that I have to share the roads with those idiots.

Everything besides observation and steering the vehicle is a distraction.

But if we were really trying to eliminate all distractions then all non essential signs would be banned, barriers put up to prevent drivers from seeing anything beyond the road, radios would not be permitted in cars. Even the signs currently located near toll barriers highlighting the eflow tags ceasing to work are a distraction.

Having a coffee breaks the monotony of the drive especially on an empty motorway. I'm not certain but I doubt if monotony is good for a drivers concentration either.

My point is there are many distractions, the question is how much it affects the driver. If the driver didn't notice a Garda car then he was clearly distracted. Before I'd take a sip of coffee unless I'm actually stopped in traffic, I'd make sure there were no cars near me, Garda or not.

McGixxer

brightspark wrote: »

Everything besides observation and steering the vehicle is a distraction.

But if we were really trying to eliminate all distractions then all non essential signs would be banned, barriers put up to prevent drivers from seeing anything beyond the road, radios would not be permitted in cars. Even the signs currently located near toll barriers highlighting the eflow tags ceasing to work are a distraction.

Having a coffee breaks the monotony of the drive especially on an empty motorway. I'm not certain but I doubt if monotony is good for a drivers concentration either.

My point is there are many distractions, the question is how much it affects the driver. If the driver didn't notice a Garda car then he was clearly distracted. Before I'd take a sip of coffee unless I'm actually stopped in traffic, I'd make sure there were no cars near me, Garda or not.

It's obviously impossible to eliminate all distractions, but adding to them should be the last thing on anyone's mind.

I read somewhere that coffee is also the worst thing (apart from alcohol) that you can drink if you're driving for more than half an hour, because (according to the report), as the effect of the caffeine wears off (20-30 mins), you become even more distracted than if you'd drank nothing.