Van drivers are spending the equivalent of a month each year behind the wheel, according to a poll of 500 adults who drive a van for work. They typically spend three hours a day in their vehicle, whether driving, eating or taking a break.
Consequently, 21% worry that the amount of driving they do will impact their long-term health. Half of those polled eat in their vehicle during the working day, doing so three times a week, with a quarter admitting they have a weak spot for junk food.
The research was commissioned by Fiat Professional which has collaborated with Team GB former athlete and endurance coach for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, James Thie, to create its Van Driver Health Guide focusing on meals, motivation and movement.
This includes step-ups which can be performed by getting in and out of the driver’s seat, squats which can be done while loading and unloading the vehicle, and triceps dips off the rear of the van. The advice also includes what foods to eat and what to avoid when stopping off at service stations and garages.
James Thie, who is also the current World Masters indoor Champion over 1500 metres, said: “Driving a van for hours at a time requires lots of concentration which is incredibly tiring, and this can mean drivers are too fatigued to exercise.”
“Being a driver means sitting in one position for extended periods, which puts strain on the body, particularly the neck, shoulders and lower back,” it was noted.
“Driving can limit when and where people eat, leading to reliance on snacks and grab-and-go meals, which aren’t always the healthiest options. Planning ahead could involve preparing food to avoid skipping meals, ensuring choices are suitable for eating on the move and saving money in the long run.”
The study also revealed that while 42% know they’d save money by packing their own lunch, 31% feel that driving a van restricts when and where they can eat.
Almost half (48%) never know if they’ll be near a restaurant or shop, while others worry about not having access to a microwave at work (46%) or that food will spoil if left in the vehicle (42%).
A lack of time to prepare lunch at home was also a concern for 37%, with 11% also claiming they don’t have enough spare hours for exercise.
When they do manage to take a break, 44% use the time to eat or drink, while 43% buy snacks, but 42% make sure they walk around to stretch their legs. However, 37% scroll through social media and 39% make phone calls.
A third (32%) of Brits believe that petrol stations and service stations offer little to no healthy food options and when it comes to grabbing a bite on the move, taste is the top priority for 60% of people, followed by price (55%), ease of consumption (46%), and healthiness (41%).
However, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll.com, 32% of respondents who work night shifts find it challenging to maintain a healthy diet (35%) and tend to snack more frequently than they would during the day (32%).
Damien Dally, managing director of FIAT Professional, emphasised: “While we do everything we can to make our vans as comfortable as possible, it’s important that drivers take the opportunity for regular breaks, getting out of the driver’s seat to move around, loosen up and eat healthy food.
He added: “It can be draining driving for hours at a time and sitting in one position, so naturally caffeine filled drinks and fast food are a tempting option. Hopefully James’ tips show how it is possible to still be healthy and feel better for it in the long term.”