Posted on 05/05/2006 5:50:56 PM PDT by nuconvert
The Most Dangerous Foods
May 2,2006
By Selena Maranjian
We all should know that a package of raw chicken forgotten overnight on a kitchen counter will become a dangerous food. We also likely know that blowfish is risky, able to kill its ingesters if improperly prepared. But a clean, well-made cup of coffee? Dangerous? As it turns out, it's all about where you drink it. The folks at Insure.com, who focus on the exciting arena of insurance, recently released a list of "The 10 Most Dangerous Foods to Eat." Okay, that title actually included these words at the end: "While Driving." Still, danger is danger.
Their intent was to publicize how dangerous it can be to drive while eating and/or drinking. And we're not talking alcohol here -- coffee was No. 1 on the list, followed by hot soup. Before I share the list with you, here are some sobering statistics:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that distractions in cars caused about 25% of car crashes. The Response Insurance Agency surveyed drivers in 2000, finding that eating while driving was the No. 2 driving distraction (after fiddling with the radio and before turning to chat with passengers). Some 57% of drivers admitted to eating and driving. A 2001 survey of ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM - News) drivers found that nearly three-quarters eat while driving, up from 58% in 1995. A whopping 83% drink non-alcoholic beverages while driving. Some research suggests that dealing with spills and messes is even more troublesome than eating or drinking. Either way, dining at the wheel clearly leads to a lot of trouble.
Here is Insure.com's list of the top offenders:
Coffee
Hot soup
Tacos
Chili
Hamburgers
Barbecued food
Fried chicken
Jelly or cream-filled donuts
Soft drinks
Chocolate
This issue is a big deal. It doesn't just cause damage or death -- it costs us all money. More accidents mean that either we or insurance companies are picking up the tab. Insurance companies are aware of the problem and are looking into what they might do about it.
You can learn more about the less-dangerous-but-still-critical topic of insurance in our Insurance Center. You may not have thought about some kinds of insurance, such as disability or long-term care insurance, but they're vital for many people. And, of course, properly insuring your property is vital, too. Take a little time to learn more. You may be very happy you did, especially if some calamity occurs in the future.
I used to commute regularly from Ann Arbor to Saginaw, MI. I would stop at the Taco Bell just south of Flint, and get my one meal for the day. I was working a lot of hours in those days. I would see if I could get all the way to Saginaw without touching the steering wheel with my hands.
Does that count as distracted?
Don't stop at a Del Taco in Santa Fe....
Problem solved. Set cruise control, tell passenger to hold the wheel and drive from the right, tuck napkin into collar and dig in.
Bon Apetit.
No headphones. I've got one of those doo-daddies that plays through your FM radio.
YIKES! Man O man!
Can we assume that was the last Subway sandwich you had while driving?
Same here!
Right!, I'm more than talented enough to eat and drive at the same time.
LOL.... took her two days to fill out the accident report.
Donna Ballinger displays the Drib, a driving bib, created by her and her friend Jill Clontz. Ballinger, who makes a habit of running late, uses her Drib while she drives to work each morning.
LOL
Sheesh! This list is hard to swallow. ;)
How about inexpertly prepared Blowfish? ;o)
Maybe Patrick Kennedy was just bellying up to a bowl of NE Clam Chowder in his car in the wee hours the other nite.
You could become as famous as Jared; especially if you have film.
especially if it's a chocolate dipped cone or has sprinkles on it. :~ )
Wow.. people think of everything! All I want is a fold down tray table to go with my cup holder.
Now, now....if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. ;)
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