10 Foods You Should Never Let People Eat In Your Car And Why

There are so many plus sides to carpooling. If you take turns driving to work with fellow responsible adults you can cut costs on gas, save wear and tear on your car, and of course have the pleasure of traveling with friends. Playing music and cruising to work with a few laughs is a fun and environmentally friendly way to start the day. However, if you're caught in a carpool with people who like to snack on the go, the commute could be quite a different experience.

Click here for the 10 Foods You Should Never Let People Eat in Your Car and Why (Slideshow)

The second your friend brings their unbelievably greasy breakfast sandwich, into your freshly vacuumed , air-freshened car, the mood shifts. Not only are you being assaulted by an array of smells, you instantly start envisioning droplets of sauce smearing on your upholstery and stains seeping through your floor mats. Since your car's interior is likely made up of leather, suede, or nylon, it is completely fair to be worried about these incidents occurring. Greasy food is a direct threat to leather, smells are easily trapped in woven nylon, and suede is sensitive to just about everything.

Even if the thought of food in your car never bothered you before, you may change your mind once you hear this:

According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 80 percent of car accidents are caused by drivers who are distracted by food. What's more, nearly 65 percent of near-miss accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Even if you are not eating, if your friend spills a hot coffee cup onto your lap after going over a bump in the road, chances are, you're not going to be focusing on the road.

If you do allow people to munch on the move in your car, just make sure none of these foods make it inside your car. You'll be thanking us later!

Coffee

coffee

No matter how much you or your carpool buddies love your morning cup and need it to wake up, avoid drinking it in the car. While it is true that drowsy driving isdangerous, hot beverages like coffee, when spilled, can distract drivers and cause accidents.

Gummy Candy

gummy candy

Every road trip needs a few snacks, but gummy candies do not make for good travelingfare. Should your buddy drop a gummy on your nylon floor rugs, good luckĀ getting it out; especially if it melts in the hot sun.

Keep these other foods out of your car too!