Brittni Brown examines the physical, mental and economic impact of driving to work.
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With the development of the Interstate highway system, it has become easier than ever to get wherever we need to go rapidly. Many of us don’t even question getting in our vehicles to travel the single mile to the local grocery store. In many ways driving is held to a higher standard, representing a person who is financially sound and freed from the limitations of alternative methods of transportation.
Sure, owning a car does do these things. But does our focus on the luxuries – even perceived necessity–of owning and frequently driving a car blind us to some of the significant harmful impacts associated with our health?
Physical
On average, over 151.3 million people have a driving commute to and from work daily. Most of them travel less than 15 miles and spend roughly 30 minutes in the car each way. These people are all at risk multiple times each day for the wide variety of serious health changes that have been linked to a driving commute.
A study of 4,297 Texans analyzed how far they had to commute every day and found that a longer commute correlated positively with a higher average blood pressure. Commute length also had a connection between obesity levels and general level of activity – those that lived farther tended to be unhealthier. Increased blood pressure and lower levels of cardiovascular fitness have been linked to a rise in cardiovascular disease across the nation.
Additionally, according to a study completed by the University School of Medicine in Saint Louis and the Cooper Institute in Dallas found that drivers with a commute longer than 10 miles each way were associated with higher blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and depression risk. More negative associations with driving to work daily include increased neck and back pain related to bad posture habits we tend to develop while driving.
Mental
Mentally, commuting is also extremely taxing. One Gallup survey found that people with a long commute each day tended to have up to 20 percent more anxiety and worry about external things, including work. Chronic stress is another factor that has been linked to severe long-term health issues that are on the rise in the US.
Social spheres also shrink as time spent commuting increases. Harvard University professor, Robert Putnam, addresses the issue in his book, Bowling Alone, where he states that for every ten minutes spent driving people have up to ten percent fewer social links. Having fewer social interactions can lead to feelings of depression and loneliness that have major negative impacts on our lives.
Something to Take Comfort In
Recently, more and more individuals have opted out of the daily commute and chosen to live in locations that enable them to meet more of their needs without getting behind the wheel of a car. These communities have inspired the age of transit oriented development, or the construction of neighborhoods within cities that focus on limiting daily commutes and increasing walkability.
These communities have a primary goal of placing a public transportation stop no farther than half a mile from homes and has made it substantially easier to walk and bike because of user conscious road and sidewalk construction. Growing numbers of studies have indicated that the people living in these types of neighborhoods are at a lower risk for most chronic conditions, maintain a more active lifestyle, and participate more in community activities. Furthermore, residents are pleased that they are saving money and reducing their impact on the environment.
The impacts of commuting daily are having a profound impact on both our long-term physical and mental health. Furthermore, the drive prohibits us from participating in many social activities and limits our abilities to remain active. Many of us do not realize the negatives of driving right away, but incorporating alternative methods of travel into your schedule might be one great way to begin combating these issues and leading a happier, healthier life.
Photo Credit: Stewart/Flickr