Posted on 4/25/2025
Coffee and commuting go hand in hand—but that to-go cup in your center console may be more distracting than you think. Drinking coffee while driving is one of the most underestimated distractions behind the wheel, and it poses more risks than most drivers realize. It might not be illegal, like texting, but it can still affect your reaction time, focus, and control over the vehicle. We’re not saying you need to give up your morning caffeine fix, but it's worth understanding how even simple habits like sipping coffee can impact your driving—and what you can do to make it safer. Coffee Is a Manual, Visual, and Cognitive Distraction When we talk about distracted driving, it usually falls into three categories: Manual: taking your hands off the wheel Visual: taking your eyes off the road Cognitive: taking your mind off driving Drinking coffee involves all three. You reach for the cup (manual), glance down to grab it or check the lid (visual), and ... read more