Victorian drivers admit to dangerous activities behind wheel

CHOWING down on a burger or driving in thongs — Victorians are among the most likely to engage in some of these risky behaviours behind the wheel.

HUNGRY motorists are chowing down behind the wheel, with more than a third of Victorians confessing to eating takeaway while driving.

The latest annual Safe Driving Report, from Finder.com.au, reveals that 41 per cent of drivers in the state have eaten fast food while using their car.

The result was the highest in the country, equal to South Australia, and well ahead of those in Queensland and New South Wales.

CYCLIST GROUP PUSHING FOR DEVICE TO BLOCK DRIVERS FROM USING PHONES

DELIVERY RIDERS FIGHT FOR SAFETY

Finder.com.au spokeswoman Bessie Hassan said the figures showed people were becoming increasingly time-poor.

“Many of us are probably guilty of doing at least one of these (dangerous activities) before, but we shouldn’t be sacrificing our safety for convenience,” she said.

“While eating or smoking behind the wheel might not seem too dangerous, the reality is that these are distractions that can cause drivers to look away from the road.

“It’s concerning that so many Victorians admit to risking their lives and those of others by engaging in these dangerous behaviours on the road.”

Another 29 per cent of those surveyed confessed to wearing thongs while driving, while one in 10 said they driven with their knees.

Just under a third confess to driving in thongs. Picture: iStock

A fraction of respondents also admitted to completely taking their eyes off the road, with reading a book and watching a movie recording 4 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.

“If you’re deemed to have been driving recklessly or engaging in risky behaviour behind the wheel and you are in an accident, you may not be able to claim the damage on your insurance,” Ms Hassan said.

“Comprehensive car insurance also won’t cover damage that’s been caused by illegal activities such as texting and driving.”

It comes after a new report from the Transport Accident Commission revealed Victorian drivers were ignoring messages about low-level speeding.

The study found more drivers though speeding up to 5km/h over the limit was okay than in previous years and a third had used their mobile phone while driving.