We spend a surprising amount of time driving. In fact, according to recent studies, human beings spend approximately an hour every day driving in a car. This number is multiplied for those with extremely long commutes or who drive for a living, like truckers or delivery drivers. Unfortunately, the repercussions of driving so much are not good. There are many health risks associated with driving.
1. Heavy Traffic and Accidents
We spend a surprising amount of time driving. In fact, according to recent studies, human beings spend approximately an hour every day driving in a car. This number is multiplied for those with extremely long commutes or who drive for a living, like truckers or delivery drivers. Unfortunately, the repercussions of driving so much are not good. There are many health risks associated with driving.
1. Heavy Traffic and Accidents
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This driving risk is fairly obvious, but still important to discuss. When traffic is heavy, like during the holiday season or after work, it significantly increases the risk for accidents. With so many people on the road and possible adverse weather conditions, it’s easy for someone to make a mistake that could land you in the hospital. When driving in heavy traffic, be on guard. It’s important that you avoid making mistakes and can react appropriately if others make them.
2. Stress and Anxiety
Road rage is extremely common, particularly when traffic is heavy. There are a lot of emotions associated with traffic, but stress and anxiety are at the top. Instead of getting frustrated and impatient on your commute, choose to enjoy your time by listening to an audio book or pondering thoughtfully.
3. Dangerous Distractions
Those who spend more than a few minutes on a commute are in danger of giving into dangerous distractions, and there are more risky forms of entertainment than others. For example, listening to the radio or an audiobook is far less dangerous than texting, so long as you set the radio station or book to play before you start driving. Either way, distractions in the car can slow you down and put everyone’s health at risk.
4. Back and Neck Pain
This one applies specifically to those with long commutes or who drive for a living. It’s difficult to sit up straight with the lower back supported when you sit in a car for several hours per day. If you drive a lot for work, look into purchasing a lumbar support insert for the driver seat and remind yourself not to hunch forward over the wheel when you drive.
5. Cellphone Dangers
As mentioned previously, cellphone use is a very dangerous distraction for drivers. In some states, talking on a cellphone is punishable by a fine. In most stakes, texting at the wheel will get you a ticket and possibly court time. Studies have shown that driving while texting or web browsing is actually just as dangerous as driving drunk. Do everyone on the road a favor and put your cellphone away while at the wheel.
6. Drowsy Driving Concerns
Just as dangerous as driving while texting is driving while drowsy. After numerous studies and test runs, it was proven that driving while drowsy was actually more dangerous than drunk driving. While on the road, keep a close eye out for drowsy drivers, and don’t get behind the wheel when you haven’t had enough sleep.
7. Rise in Obesity
Now that so many people own cars, it’s rare to find people that walk to work. In addition, those with a long commute spend so much time driving, they don’t spend enough time getting physical exercise. As a result, obesity has continued to rise for those who spend a lot of time driving.
Studies have shown that 73 percent of truck drivers are overweight and 50 percent are obese. If you spend a lot of time in the car, it’s essential that you make an effort to exercise more in order to protect yourself from obesity and the health risks associated with such.
