The facts:

• The food we eat can have a huge impact on concentration levels, but surprisingly few people consider the effect that food consumed can have on driving ability
• Boredom, convenience and nagging kids are just some of the reasons drivers feel they can justify indulging in unhealthy, high-calorie foods on the road. However, eating sensibly on the move can help improve concentration as well as overall well being – which is particularly important for regular road users
• RAC has produced a Food on the Move study, which provides a detailed insight into the “on the road” eating habits of motorists across the UK. Registered dietician and consultant nutritionist, Sian Porter, conducted the research at 11 service stations along the M1

Key findings of the study include:

• One in ten motorists admit to feeling lethargic on long road trips
• 84% of drivers leave service stations feeling unrefreshed
• Over half (55%) of motorists enjoy sugary snacks when on the road, leaving drivers tired, hungry and unable to concentrate
• 41% of motorists choose fast food when on the move. However, high in fat and sugar, such meals are more likely to be rejected by the stomach, leaving drivers feeling dizzy and sick as the food rapidly passes through them
• 74% of motorists choose unhealthy convenience food over healthier options
• 54% of drivers blame the lack of healthy options for their unhealthy food habits
• 32% of motorists eat junk food due to boredom
• 11% of drivers say bad food is a key part of a road trip
• 74% of parents tend to treat children to unhealthy food during long car journeys
• 30% buy fast food as a means of keeping kids’ bad behaviour at bay
• 12% of kids pressure parents into giving them unhealthy food
• 12% of parents buy their kids junk food due to feelings of guilt

RAC position:

RAC worked with Sian Porter, a registered dietician and consultant nutritionist, to put together some top tips for motorists:

• Make time for small, regular meals. Large heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish, sleepy and uncomfortable
• With sandwiches, opt for bread with seeds or grains. Look for wholegrain, sourdough, rye, granary or a tortilla wrap. Choose lean fillings
• Have a piece of fruit / fruit salad / low fat yoghurt or choose a currant bun / fruit loaf instead of sweets or confectionary, Danish pastries or doughnuts
• Drink water or low fat milk. Small amounts of caffeine can perk you up but too much can leave you feeling jittery and lacking in concentration
• Hurried meals, poor posture while eating, stress, anxiety and long periods without food followed by a large meal that is rich, fatty, spicy or acidic can contribute to indigestion and should be avoided

For further information contact:

RAC Press office
Vicki Burn

Telephone: 01603 688224
vicki.burn@aviva.co.uk

Updated October 2007

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