New Jersey is taking a stand on the issue of distracted driving, but if a bill cracking down on distracted driving is passed, NJ drivers are subject to a hefty fine if they're caught participating in any behavior that could be considered distracting, including eating behind the wheel. Yes, you can now be pulled over for eating your favorite burrito while driving.
"An operator of a moving motor vehicle shall not engage in any activity unrelated to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle on a public road or highway." - NJ Legislature
The key phrase here is "any activity unrelated to the actual operation of a motor vehicle," which is extremely broad and open to interpretation from the start. Many of us have proudly mastered every day tasks like eating a burrito, or drinking hot coffee while driving. Although it's no secret that often times that hot coffee ends up on your lap which could prove to be a painful distraction.
Rosenblum Law Firm cites that eating and drinking are two of the top five causes of distracted driving accidents.
The first offense of eating , or any other type of behavior deemed as distracting while driving will cost you somewhere within the range of $200-$400, likely depending on the degree of distraction that takes place. So hopefully you're not a messy eater on wheels like I am.
Second offense will cost you between $400- $600, and the 3rd between $600-$800 as well as the possibility of a suspended license.
Long commutes to work and road trips tend to be common times that the American people eat and drink while driving, so just be sure to stop for your Whopperrito outside of NJ state lines.
What's next I ask you? Well there's this...
I just got pulled over for picking my nose and driving apparently that's distracted driving ......... Fuk— meth (@maithiligadre) August 9, 2016
Source: msn, Photo Credit: mysticboii
