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Behind The Mic With Joe Mathieu: Eating Behind The Wheel

BOSTON (CBS) - We will apparently do just about anything behind the wheel.

Texting while driving gets most of the attention because it's a relatively new and growing problem. But there are a lot of other things we do in the car that can be just as deadly - like eating.

You know you've done it. But you might be surprised to know how dangerous it can be - with the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showing that eating behind the wheel increases your chances of getting into an accident by 80-percent.

And here's the part I love.

We're not just talking about grabbing a doughnut or a bagel on the way to work. In fact, a separate survey by Harris Interactive found that some 19-percent of drivers admit they have used a fork, spoon or knife while careening down the road.

So apparently some people are enjoying full meals in the car, complete with utensils.

But coffee is still the worst offender. Hagerty Classic Insurance looked into this years ago and deemed a cup of java the most dangerous food to eat while driving. Soup was second on that list.

And some of you apparently have your own ideas about what to eat on the road, as you Tweeted Wednesday.

But why stop at eating?

That same Harris study found 10-percent have applied makeup while driving and about half as many admit to reading books behind the wheel.

I wonder if this says more about congestion around here because if we weren't always sitting in traffic we might focus more on the road.

Follow Joe on Twitter @joemathieuwbz

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