Drivers could be faced with fines of up to £5,000 for eating behind the wheel

The insurance price comparison website Confused.com is warning motorists about the risks of eating fast food while driving. 

Whilst buying a burger from the drive-thru can be a convenient way to fill up, it might pay to park up to eat. 

Louise Thomas, motor insurance expert at Confused.com, explained the dangers that come with eating behind the wheel.

She said: “As eating often requires the use of your hands, you could land yourself a fine of up to £5,000 and points on your licence.

“This is because you would be driving without due care and attention in the case of an accident.”

According to the RAC, both eating and drinking whilst behind the wheel of a vehicle is not illegal, however can be if a police officer determines a driver is not in proper control of the vehicle.

If an officer determines a motorist was driving carelessly, they could issue an on the spot fine of £100 and three penalty points.

However, if the driver could have caused serious harm to other road users, the police could fine them up to £5,000 and nine penalty points.

Whilst eating whilst driving requires a person to take a hand off the steering wheel, research has found that it may also affect their state of mind.

According to a study by the University of Leeds, eating whilst on the move can slow down the reaction times of a driver by 44 percent.  

Confused.com has advised drivers to pull over in a safe space or wait until they get home before eating their food. 

Louise also highlighted the risks of using your phone whilst waiting for your order in the drive-thru.

She said: “According to mobile phone laws, you can pay with your mobile phone but shouldn’t use it for any other reason while waiting in a drive-thru queue.”

Whilst all drivers may face a £200 fine if they are spotted on their phone whilst queuing, motorists who passed their test under two years ago could also be disqualified from driving.