Almost a third (29%) of fleets eat and drink while driving, even though it is almost as dangerous as using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone and greatly increases the risk of being in or causing a collision, a survey has shown.

According to Lytx Europe, which specialises in driver safety services for commercial fleets, people who eat and drink while driving are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident than drivers who do not because of the distraction it causes.

The company’s data shows drivers who use a hands-free device are 4.6 times more likely to be involved in a collision, compared with 4.7 times for smartphone or tablet users.

The survey, from TrackCompare.co.uk, asked Do you eat and drink while driving? 71% said no, 29% said yes.

Kjell Anderton, a TrackCompare.co.uk director, said: “Munching a sandwich or sipping coffee – now sold at virtually every service station – seems such an innocent thing to do. But, of course, it’s not.”

Launched in 2009, TrackCompare.co.uk represents more than 50 tracking and telematics companies across a wide range of technologies.

The company’s online service is backed by a team of experienced fleet consultants, who help more than 2,000 new fleets every month.

TrackCompare.co.uk assists organisations large and small to identify the most effective tracking and telematics solutions for their operations.