Can coffee cause a crash?
A $7.50 coffee from your local café might be affordable compared to the price of your caffeine fix behind the wheel.
Innocently sipping your beverage, particularly a steaming hot one while steering, can be dangerous – and costly.
Drinking coffee, water or other drinks while driving isn’t against the law but the simple act of taking a sip of your drink means taking your hand off the wheel and dividing your attention between drinking while not spilling any and maintaining control of your vehicle. Doing this while driving could have disastrous consequences.
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says drivers should always keep both hands on the wheel to maintain control of the vehicle as this allows them to respond more effectively in an emergency.
“Doing anything that takes your concentration away while driving, like drinking or eating, poses a risk to you and your ability to control the vehicle,” Charles says.
How your coffee can land you in hot water
In South Australia, you won’t be fined specifically for drinking or eating behind the wheel but if this causes you to drive without proper control of the vehicle, you can receive a $236 fine and $108 Victims of Crime Levy.
In fact, the consequence of consuming a hot beverage while driving can sting in more ways than one.
“When a hot drink is spilt, not only will it hurt, but your attention will be more on the pain and mess than on the road itself,” Charles says.
The secret to sipping safely
While it’s unlikely a driver would stop their car every time they want a sip (that wouldn’t be fun or safe), our advice is to enjoy your hot beverages off the road when you can. If your morning caffeine call is stronger than your favourite coffee beans, there are a few ways to get some sips in safely.
Forget flimsy paper cups; the ones that burn your hands before your tongue. Try a spill-proof travel mug with a secure lid; this will also keep your drink hot for longer, and it’s better for the environment.
Sneaking in a sip or two at the lights is generally acceptable but drink with caution.
“Your attention should remain on the road when you’re stopped at traffic lights as they can turn from red to green unexpectedly,” Charles says.
Final word
So, what happens when you’re feeling particularly parched? Pull over.
“Enjoy your drink somewhere safely off the road and keep your beverage in the cup holder until you’ve reached your destination.”
Coffee, after all, tastes best when it’s sipped slowly.