Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How many deaths are caused by eating while driving?

My wife always makes breakfast and eats it on her way to work to save time. I’ve told her how dangerous it is, but she doesn’t listen. I want to give her some stats to convince her. How many deaths each year are caused by people eating and driving?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
While no specific statistics exist that compile deaths caused by eating while driving, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
estimates that your chance of getting into an accident increases by 80% if you eat behind the wheel. In addition, the chance of a near-miss collision increases by 65% if you eat while driving.
The reason that your odds increase is that eating while driving is a form of distracted driving. If you’re not fully focused on the road, it can reduce your reaction time significantly, which often leads to accidents.
If possible, encourage your wife to eat before she leaves home or once she gets to the office. While this may seem like a waste of time, it’s a better solution than an accident.
If you and your wife own a home, you might also want to consider bundling your car and home insurance. But before you do, shop around on the
Jerry
app to see which company can give you the best rates possible.
As a licensed broker, Jerry helps you find and compare quotes from over 50 top providers in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even cancel your old policy!
MORE: How to file a car accident claim report
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings