FLEET “DRIVE TO FITNESS” CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
- Survey of Drivers Reveals Stresses of Life on the Road: Bad Food Choices & High Level of Smoking
Fleet Transport magazine in association with Ford Ireland have launched a Drive to Fitness campaign which is aimed at encouraging professional drivers to look after their health through better food choices and more regular exercise.
As part of the campaign, Ford commissioned Fleet Transport* to research into the lifestyle of these drivers and the findings show that they have health issues that are mainly attributable to the sedentary and often stress-filled nature of their work. The campaign seeks to provide tips for these drivers on how they can make small changes to their diet and exercise regime which can help redress the balance.
Some of the key findings of the research include:
- 74% of respondents admitted to being overweight – even allowing for some drivers who did not truthfully answer this question, that is roughly 18% more than in the adult population at large
- In spite of the above statistic, 57% of drivers still maintain they are healthy
- 41% of drivers admitted to regularly eating lunch in their vehicles with 46% providing a packed lunch while 24% opt for take-away food from shops or garages
- 30% of drivers smoke, and of these 95% smoke over 30 cigarettes a day – this contrasts with the adult population generally, less than a quarter of whom smoke.
- While over half of drivers claim to exercise two to three times per week, only 27% feel exercise would contribute to their health and well-being
- 92% say their employers do not promote healthy eating programmes or provide any type of medical screening
Speaking about the campaign, Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Chief Executive of Ford Ireland said: “Spending a large part of your working day behind the wheel can very often lead to a stressful and potentially unhealthy lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This campaign tries to highlight simple steps that these drivers can take in order to redress the balance”.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have both also endorsed the campaign. Speaking at the media briefing, Deirdre Sinnott, Senior Policy Inspector with the HSA said: “The Authority has a strategy to contribute positively to peoples’ health at work and we believe that this can be achieved by encouraging workplace practices that promote good health”.
As part of the Fleet Drive to Fitness campaign, Ford has partnered with nutritional therapist, Elsa Jones and in collaboration, they have produced a handy information leaflet that gives helpful nutrition tips for drivers. The leaflet also includes information on exercises that can help to keep drivers alert and fit for the road. The information leaflets are available through an insert in the July edition of Fleet Transport magazine, from Applegreen fuel outlets ànd Ford Dealerships nationwide. The campaign also features a website (www.drivetofitness.ie) where more information can be accessed.
*The Ford Drive to Fitness survey of drivers was carried out by Fleet Transport magazine; the survey included responses from over 600 drivers.
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