It's National Teen Driver Safety Week this week. Considering that auto crashes are the number-one cause of death for teenagers, it's a good time to think about your (and your friends') driving habits.
We've been hearing a lot lately about the dangers of texting while driving, and for a good reason: using a cell phone while driving (even if it's hands-free!) delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit. 34 states across the country have banned texting while driving.
But what about snacking while driving? We've all been there: late, hungry, and with only a few minutes to chow down before you arrive. But is eating -- or drinking -- while driving any different from texting?
A 2009 study by showed that 80 percent of all car crashes involve distracted driving.
"Distractions like eating can become a problem for drivers who can't react quickly to a sharp curve," the study stated. "Even with a travel lid, hot coffee can find its way out of the opening when you hit a bump."
A survey conducted by Exxon-Mobil found that 70 percent of drivers eat while driving, and 83 percent drink beverages. Yikes.
So, here are the top 10 worst things to eat and drink while driving, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -- but keep in mind that eating anything behind the wheel is a distraction. Turn up the music and stick it in the backseat if you're tempted. Save it for when you arrive!
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