THE exact time van drivers spend behind the wheel every day as well as how much they spend on food has been revealed.
A poll of 500 adults who drive a van for work found they typically spend three hours a day in their vehicle, whether driving, eating or taking a break.
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Van drivers spend the equivalent of a month each year sat behind the wheel.
As a result, a fifth – or 21 per cent – worry 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.
And £23.85 a week is spent on food on the go, resulting in £1,240 annually.
The research was commissioned by Fiat Professional which has teamed up with Team GB former athlete and endurance coach for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games James Thie.
The intention behind the research is to curate it’s 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 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.
“It also means drivers are sitting in one position for very long periods of time, putting strain on their bodies, particularly necks, shoulders and lower backs.
“Being behind the wheel can clearly limit where and when people eat, meaning snacks are relied on and meals are simply grab and go options which aren’t often the healthiest.
“Planning ahead could include prepping food so they don’t have to skip meals, ensuring choices are suitable to eat on the go and saving money in the long run.
“What might seem like a cheap takeaway coffee and snack may not be particularly nutritious and will also add up financially.”
The research also found while 42 per cent know they’d save money by making a packed lunch instead, 31 per cent feel driving a van limits where and when they can eat.
Popular lunchtime stop-offs include fast-food outlets (43 per cent), cafes (39 per cent) and service stations (24 per cent).
Nearly half never know if they’ll be near an eatery or shop, while others worry they won’t have a microwave where they’re working or that food will go bad if left in the vehicle.
A lack of time to prep lunch at home was also a concern for 37 per cent, with 11 per cent also claiming they don’t have enough spare hours for exercise.
When they do manage to stop for a break, 44 per cent use the time to eat or drink, while 43 per cent buy snacks, but 42 per cent make sure they walk around to stretch their legs.
However, 37 per cent scroll through social media and 39 per cent make phone calls.
A third argued there are little or no healthy options to choose from at the likes of petrol stations and service stations.
When buying food on the go, taste is the priority for 60 per cent, followed by price, ease to eat and then healthiness.
But 32 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, work night shifts and feel it’s tricky to eat healthily when doing so and snack more often than they would during the day.
Damien Dally, managing director of FIAT Professional said: “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.
“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.”
How to save money eating out
THERE are a number of ways that you can save money when eating out. Here’s how:
Discount codes – Check sites like Sun Vouchers or VoucherCodes for any discount codes you can use to get money off your order.
Tastecard – This is a members club where you pay to have access to discounts worth up to 50 per cent off at thousands of restaurants. It costs £4.99 a month or £34.99 for the year.
Loyalty schemes – Some restaurants will reward you with discounts or a free meal if you register with their loyalty scheme, such as Nando’s where you can collect a stamp with every visit. Some chains like Pizza Express will send you discounts for special occasions, such as your birthday, if you sign up to their newsletter.
Voucher schemes – Look out for voucher schemes offered by third party firms, such as Meerkat Meals. If you compare and buy a product through CompareTheMarket.com then you’ll be rewarded with access to the discount scheme. You’ll get 2 for 1 meals at certain restaurants through Sunday to Thursday.
Student discounts – If you’re in full-time education or a member of the National Students Union then you may be able to get a discount of up to 15 per cent off the bill. It’s always worth asking before you place your order.
