4 Things Which Can Happen When You Drive for Long Hours

It doesn’t matter if you are stuck in traffic during your long commute or going for a family retreat. There are some dangers that have been linked to driving for long hours. And if you are in a busy city where people spend most of their time in traffic jams you are at a higher risk of these problems.

Driving for long hours can have a negative impact on your health. Besides, sitting in the same position for a long time every day can impact your ability to stay safe on the road. Keep reading to learn more about how driving for long hours can impact your health, both mentally and physically.

Back Pain

Prolonged sitting in traffic jams or driving for long hours, poor posture, and low-frequency vibrations can all lead to back pain. And if you are a long-distance driver, back pain is nothing to smile about. You are likely to have back and neck pains if you sit behind your wheels for an extended time. However, you don’t have to suffer back pain the whole time you are driving.

Try adjusting your headrest and seat, modifying your steering wheel control, using cruise control, creating lumbar support, or even getting chauffer services where you will have a very smooth ride to your destination.

Exposure to Pollution

According to Medical News Today, sitting in traffic jams for long hours can negatively affect your health.  This is mainly due to the fact that traffic congestion increases car emissions and ends up lowering the quality of the air you breathe. 

Breathing the polluted air can not only cause respiratory problems but also cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of getting a heart problem. Besides, the amount of pollution in traffic jams is way higher than that found in moving vehicles. It can lead to lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.

Increased Stress

One of the factors that can lead to burnout and heightened stress is the commuting distance and the means. Also, the long hours spent in traffic jams and the road construction projects can make a simple drive seem stressful for many people. However, stress-related reactions have been associated with higher aggression which is also linked to a higher risk of accidents.

On the other hand, people who drive for extended hours are more prone to mental health problems than people who don’t drive. So, if you are a long-distance driver or usually get stuck in traffic, try adding stress management into your regimen. This will greatly help you lower your risks of developing stress-related illnesses.

Difficulty Sleeping

Most people know that distracted and drunk drivers as a major hazard. However, tired drivers are left out of the equation. It’s important to note that sleep-related accidents are more likely to cause deaths and severe injuries. Insufficient sleep might be the main cause of fatigue, however, the time of the day and the route you choose can significantly affect your ability to drive.

Picking a longer route with almost zero stimuli can make you lose focus and if you are exhausted, you can find yourself sleeping behind the wheel. To stay safe, consider using routes that will need much of your attention and take breaks whenever you are driving for long hours.

Bottom Line

Driving for long hours has many potential risks. Drivers are at risk of breaking the law, getting distracted, and sleeping behind the wheel. However, there are other ways in which a driver is affected, especially when driving in traffic jams and on long routes. They are at risk of developing stress-related illnesses, back pain, exposure to pollution, and fatigue.