Bad eating habits put motorists' lives at risk

Bad eating habits leave millions of motorists feeling sluggish at the wheel, posing a risk to their own and other road users' safety, new research reveals.

RAC's Food on the Move Study – a comprehensive study of eating patterns amongst 1,000 road users combined with on-the-ground interviews at motorway service stations – highlights a number of alarming and dangerous habits which place motorists at risk:

More than one in ten (12%) feel lethargic after eating at service stations
One in five (22%) buy ‘treats for travelling’ that affect concentration
A third (34%) drive unsafe distances to avoid service stations, despite the availability of healthy options
According to Government advice, planned breaks should leave motorists refreshed. 84% leave service stations feeling unrefreshed

Two thirds (66%) of motorists admit to eating less healthily during long journeys. Good intentions are quickly left behind with more than one in ten (11%) considering junk food to be a ‘key part’ of being on the road. The same numbers actually crave such ‘fast food’ whilst en route.

Sian Porter, registered dietician and consultant nutritionist who carried out the research at service stations comments: “Food we eat has to be suited to activities we engage in. Few people would eat a heavy meal before exercise and this same common sense must apply to driving.”

Dangerously few motorists understand the detrimental effects of poor quality food on their driving, almost two thirds (64%) don't consider the effects of foods they purchase on their ability behind the wheel.

Analysing the findings, Sian Porter has highlighted popular food choices which road users should avoid in order to stay alert and reduce their chances of having an accident:

Foods high in sugar –over half (55%) of motorists enjoy sugary snacks when on the road. Initial rises in blood sugar are quickly followed by a sudden drop however, leaving drivers tired, hungry and unable to concentrate
Foods high in fat – such as fast food, are the number one choice for 41% of motorists. High in fat and sugar, such meals are more likely to be ‘dumped out’ of the stomach, leaving drivers feeling dizzy and sick as the food passes through them quickly
Motorists justify their poor food choices in a variety of ways. For 74%, convenience takes priority over healthier options. The simplest and quickest food options can have the biggest impact on driving alertness however, and are often unsuitable for long-distance driving.

For almost a third (30%), ‘fast food’ is the ideal way to keep kids' bad behaviour at bay and as a ‘treat’ for enduring long distances in the car. However, high levels of fat and sugar in such food deliver short bursts of energy, which also fade quickly and can lead to tears and tantrums.

The survey revealed that motorists need more encouragement to make healthier choices whilst driving. The majority blame lack of choice (61%) and expense (66%) as the key barriers to healthy eating.

Yet, on-the-ground research carried out by Sian Porter as part of the study reveals that healthy choices at service way stations do exist but are often ignored by road users. More than half (54%) of motorway service stations visited featured a salad bar.

Sian Porter has produced the following tips to help motorists make the best choices and maintain driving alertness.

Make time for small, regular meals. Large, heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish, sleepy and uncomfortable
With sandwiches opt for bread with seeds or grains. Look for wholegrain, sourdough, rye or granary or a tortilla wrap and choose a lean filling
Have a piece of fruit / fruit salad / low fat yoghurt or choose a currant bun / fruit loaf instead of sweets or confectionary, a Danish or a doughnut
Drink water or low fat milk. A small amount of caffeine can perk you up but don’t overdo it as you can feel jittery and lack concentration
Hurried meals, poor posture whilst eating, stress, anxiety and long periods without food followed by a large heavy meal that is rich, fatty, spicy, or acidic can contribute to indigestion and should be avoided

Sian Porter continues: “Motorists must realise that foods high in sugar, fat and salt can quickly reduce alertness. Choosing more carefully can significantly improve safety.”

RAC Patrolman Steve England continued: “Food is like fuel for the body, and just as a car can't run properly on the wrong type, the same rule applies to motorists. It can be hard for people who are on the road a great deal to eat healthily all the time, but from personal experience I know what a difference the right choice can make.”