92% of Maryland Drivers Snack on Junk Food, Study Finds

A recent survey by Potamkin Hyundai paints a concerning picture of Maryland’s commuters, revealing that the state has some of the unhealthiest drivers in the country. The study, which analyzed publicly available health data alongside a survey of 3,000 U.S. drivers, found that 92% of Maryland drivers regularly snack on junk food during their long commutes, putting them at the top of the list alongside Arkansas for unhealthy driving behaviors.

This unhealthy habit is not without consequence. According to the study, the sedentary nature of long-distance commuting is linked to a host of negative health outcomes, including weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. The act of sitting for extended periods, combined with consuming high-calorie snacks, only exacerbates these risks.

<iframe src="https://hseo-cdn.web.app/iframes/americas-unhealtiest-drivers" width="100%" height="800"id="data_map_iframe" allowfullscreen allowtransparency="" style="border:0;"frameborder="0"></iframe><p style="text-align:center"><small>Created by <a href="https://www.potamkinhyundai.com/" target="_blank">Potamkin-Hyundai</a>&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potamkinhyundai.com/americas-unhealtiest-drivers/" target="_blank">Viewlarger version</a> </small></p><script>window.addEventListener("message",function(e){e.data.hasOwnProperty("FrameHeight")&& (document.getElementById("data_map_iframe").style.height = e.data.FrameHeight+ 'px')}),document.getElementById("data_map_iframe").onload=function(){ document.getElementById("data_map_iframe").contentWindow.postMessage("FrameHeight","*")}; </script>

Maryland’s 2.8 million drivers stand out as some of the worst offenders, with the study finding that nearly 3 million drivers in the state regularly indulge in junk food during their commutes. The report identified that drivers in Maryland consume an average of 420 calories per commute, significantly contributing to the potential health risks associated with their driving habits.

Unhealthy States and Their Drivers

In addition to Maryland, Arkansas tied for first place with 92% of its drivers reporting the same unhealthy snacking behavior. The list of the top five states with the unhealthiest drivers was rounded out by Mississippi (91%), Louisiana (88%), and Georgia (84%).

The following is a breakdown of the five states with the highest percentage of drivers engaging in junk food consumption:

1. Maryland: 92% (2,862,536 drivers)
2. Arkansas: 92% (1,203,770 drivers)
3. Mississippi: 91% (1,120,751 drivers)
4. Louisiana: 88% (1,745,860 drivers)
5. Georgia: 84% (4,202,606 drivers)

This unhealthy trend goes beyond simply eating while driving. The study discovered that a significant 68% of drivers, including those in Maryland, admitted they choose their commuting routes based on the availability of fast food drive-thrus. Additionally, 44% of respondents reported that they had experienced a “food mishap” while driving, which led to distractions or near-accidents.

Dangerous Driving Behaviors Linked to Eating

Eating while driving has not only been linked to weight gain and other health problems but also poses a safety risk. Nearly half (48%) of respondents admitted to eating hot food that could spill or burn them, while 32% admitted to driving with their knees to keep their hands free for eating. Other risky behaviors included balancing a meal on their lap (13%) and eating with utensils while steering (6%).

These dangerous behaviors highlight the broader issue of how unhealthy habits, like eating while driving, can lead to more significant consequences both in terms of personal health and road safety.

Healthier States Offer Contrast

On the other end of the spectrum, New Hampshire stood out as the state with the healthiest drivers, where only 43% of respondents admitted to snacking on junk food during their commute. Other states with healthier commuting habits included Utah (56%), Connecticut (60%), Nebraska (60%), and Washington (63%).

These states represent a stark contrast to the drivers in Maryland and other Southern states, where unhealthy eating habits during commutes are much more common.

Why Do Drivers Eat While Driving?

The Potamkin Hyundai study also delved into the reasons behind why so many drivers choose to eat while on the road. The results showed that 53% of drivers do so to save time, while 21% do it to avoid getting too hungry. Another 14% said that eating while driving had simply become a habit, and 12% used it as a way to cope with stress or boredom during long drives.

Perhaps most concerning, when respondents were asked how they would react if their doctor advised them to stop eating while driving for the sake of their health, 43% said they would ignore the advice. This suggests that unhealthy eating habits during commutes are deeply ingrained for many drivers.

The Impact of Caloric Intake

On average, drivers consume about 420 calories per commute, according to the study’s findings. This caloric intake, often from fast food or other unhealthy snacks, contributes to the obesity epidemic and other related health problems. For many long-distance commuters, this added calorie consumption is not offset by physical activity, making it even more concerning from a public health perspective.

The Potamkin Hyundai study sheds light on a growing issue facing drivers across the country, but particularly in states like Maryland, where unhealthy snacking during commutes has become a widespread and concerning habit. Addressing these behaviors is critical to improving both public health and road safety in the years to come.