A survey commissioned by Fiat Professional of 500 adults who drive vans for work found they spend three hours a day in their vehicles, whether driving, eating lunch, or just taking a break. With all this time on the road, it’s no surprise that 21% of van drivers told Fiat they worry about the long-term impact on their health.
Half the drivers admit to regularly eating in their vans during the workday, with many grabbing food on the go. Junk food is a popular choice for some, with a quarter of those surveyed confessing to the occasional indulgence. On average, van drivers are spending around £23.85 each week on food, adding up to about £1,240 a year.
Fiat teamed up with James Thie, a former Team GB athlete, to offer some tips. His guide, which you can download here
, includes simple exercises like squats while unloading the van or tricep dips using the back of the vehicle. There’s also advice on what foods to choose (and avoid) when stopping at service stations.
James, the current World Masters 1,500 metre indoor champ, says, “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.”
He also notes how tricky it can be to maintain a balanced diet on the road. “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.”
Despite knowing that packed lunches would save cash, 42% of those polled still rely on takeout, with 31% saying that van life limits their eating options. Fast food joints, cafes, and service stations are the top choices for a midday bite.
A lot of drivers also mentioned not being sure if they’d be near a shop or café during their route (48%), and some worry their food might spoil in the van (42%) or that they won’t have access to a microwave (46%). Plus, 37% admitted they simply don’t have the time to prepare meals at home.
When they do take breaks, almost half (44%) use the time to eat or drink, while others use it to stretch their legs (42%) or grab a quick snack (43%). Some scroll through social media (37%) or catch up on phone calls (39%).
Finding healthy food on the go is another challenge. A third of van drivers (32%) told Fiat there’s a lack of nutritious options at service stations and petrol stops, and when buying food, taste tends to come ahead of health for 60%, followed by price and ease of eating.
For those working night shifts, staying healthy can be even more challenging. About 35% say they find it tough to eat well during late hours, and 32% admit to snacking more often than they would in the daytime.
“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,” explains Damien Dally, managing director of Fiat Professional. “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.”
