Fast-Food Chains Accommodate Driving Diners

Taco Bell folds its tortillas a certain way to keep juice and food from oozing out. The packaging around KFC’s new chicken pita sandwich has a bottom to catch chicken, ranch dressing, cheese, lettuce or tomato that might otherwise land in a lap. Burger King has increased the moisture of its breakfast sandwiches--to make them crumble-proof. 7-Eleven convenience stores offer a quarter-pound hamburger shaped like a hot dog that’s easier to eat while driving. The reason: The typical American eats 13 meals in a car each year, up from 11 in 1990. New York market researcher Harry Balzer said dashboard dining is distracting and can cause accidents. Nonetheless, the trend toward dashboard dining may be unstoppable. Auto parts manufacturers are developing microwaves, trash compactors and coolers for cars.