NATIONWIDE — Long car commutes have long been linked to negative health outcomes. They could be contributing to a sedentary lifestyle that can lead to serious issues such as weight gain, cardiovascular problems and other chronic conditions. 

Prolonged sitting in traffic not only increases the risk of developing obesity, hypertension and diabetes, but also exacerbates stress, reduces physical activity and disrupts sleep—compounding these health concerns.

In a recent study by Potamkin Hyundai, publicly available health data was combined with a survey of 3,000 drivers to find America’s unhealthiest drivers.

The results are eye-opening: Maryland and Arkansas top the list, with a staggering 92 percent of drivers in these states admitting to snacking on junk food during their long commutes. This equates to approximately four million unhealthy drivers across both states.

The study also found that a significant 78 percent of long-distance drivers in New York regularly consume junk food, equating to almost 7.3 million drivers. 

The study didn’t just stop at snacking habits; it delved deeper into the unhealthy behaviors of drivers. For instance, a remarkable 68 percent of drivers admitted that they chose their commute routes based on the availability of fast-food drive-thru options.

Additionally, 44 percent reported experiencing a “food mishap” while driving that either caused a distraction or nearly led to an accident.

When it comes to risky behavior, respondents shared some of the most dangerous things they’ve done while driving to accommodate eating:

Eating hot food that could spill or burn: 48 percent

Balancing a meal on their lap: 13 percent

Eating with utensils while steering: 6 percent

The study also shed light on the caloric impact of eating while driving. Respondents reported consuming an average of 420 calories during a single commute—a significant amount, especially for those with lengthy daily drives.

As for the reasons behind eating while driving, the responses were telling:

To save time: 53 percent

To avoid getting too hungry: 21 percent

It’s a habit: 14 percent

To cope with stress or boredom: 12 percent

Finally, when posed with a hypothetical scenario where their doctor advised them to stop eating while driving for the sake of their health, 43 percent of respondents stated they would ignore the advice, underscoring the deeply ingrained nature of these unhealthy habits.

Contributed by Potamkin Hyundai, www.potamkinhyundai.com/americas-unhealthiest-drivers.htm.