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 think about not spilling it—or how hot it is—while trying to steer through traffic (cognitive). That moment of divided attention can delay your reaction time or cause you to miss something critical on the road.
In fact, studies show that drivers who eat or drink while driving are 80% more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event. That risk doesn’t go away just because you’re drinking something familiar.
Spills Trigger Instant Panic Reactions
One of the biggest risks of drinking coffee while driving is what happens when things don’t go as planned. A sudden bump in the road, a fast turn, or an unexpected stop can lead to a spill—and your body reacts instantly.
Drivers often let go of the wheel, swerve slightly, or take their eyes completely off the road to avoid getting burned or to save the cup. And if your coffee is too hot, it’s not just a distraction—it’s a hazard.
These panic reactions happen in a split second and are hard to control, even if you consider yourself a calm or experienced driver. That’s why even one small spill can lead to a rear-end collision or sideswipe before you have time to recover.
Driving One-Handed
If you’re holding your coffee in one hand and steering with the other, you’re automatically reducing your control over the vehicle. This becomes especially dangerous in situations that require sudden or sharp steering adjustments, like avoiding an obstacle or reacting to another driver’s mistake.
Driving one-handed also means your posture and reaction time are compromised. If something unexpected happens, it takes longer to bring both hands back to the wheel and steer effectively. That lag time matters when you’re traveling at 40 or 60 mph.
Fatigue Can Make It Even Worse
Here’s the irony: most people drink coffee while driving because they’re tired. But fatigue and distraction make a dangerous combination, especially during morning or late-night commutes. Your focus is already lower, and your body may be slower to react.
Add in the distraction of holding a hot beverage, navigating traffic, and possibly dealing with grogginess, and your risk of making a driving error increases. Coffee might wake you up—but not instantly, and not enough to cancel out the physical distractions it creates.
Better Alternatives for Safer Driving
If you rely on your morning brew, the safest time to drink it is before you start driving. Even waiting a few minutes before getting on the road gives you more control and fewer distractions.
If you're taking a long trip or commuting a decent distance, consider:
- Pulling over for a quick coffee break instead of sipping while driving
- Using a spill-proof travel mug that fits securely in your cup holder
- Avoiding hot drinks on congested or unfamiliar roads
- Finishing food or drinks while stopped in traffic or at a red light
Sometimes, it’s about being just a little more intentional—waiting a few extra minutes before drinking, keeping your eyes up, and knowing when it’s better to put the cup down and focus.
With two locations in Springfield, MO, Complete Automotive is here to keep your vehicle performing at its best—so you can stay focused on the road ahead.