Miami — Unhealthy quick meals – in addition to dangerous driving whereas consuming behind the wheel – is a part of an estimated 122 million Americans’ commutes, outcomes of a current study recommend.
Researchers from a Florida auto seller used publicly out there well being information from County Health Rankings (lengthy commute – driving alone) and performed a survey of three,000 drivers.
What they discovered:
- 68% of the drivers selected their commuting route primarily based on drive-thru eating places within the space.
- Respondents reported consuming a mean of 420 energy throughout a commute.
- 44% have skilled a “food mishap” that distracted them or almost brought on a crash.
Examples of “food mishaps” included consuming scorching meals that might spill or burn the driving force (48%), driving with knees (32%), balancing a meal on the lap (13%), and utilizing utensils whereas driving (6%).
The causes for counting on quick meals had been to:
- Save time (53%)
- Avoid getting “too hungry” (21%)
- Maintain a behavior (14%)
- Cope with stress or boredom (12%)
“Finally, when posed with a hypothetical scenario where their doctor advised them to stop eating while driving for the sake of their health, 43% of respondents stated they would ignore the advice, underscoring the deeply ingrained nature of these unhealthy habits,” states a press launch from Potamkin Hyundai, which performed the study.
The study additionally reveals the states with the very best percentages of drivers who admit to snacking on junk meals throughout their lengthy commutes. Topping the checklist had been Maryland and Arkansas at 92%. An in depth third was Mississippi at 91%, adopted by Louisiana (88%) and Georgia (84%).
