Although we feel insulated from the world in that warm fuzzy bubble we call an automobile, driving can take a serious toll on our health. The upkeep of your vehicle can tell a lot about your health. Read more about the various health hazards associated with driving and how our cars reflect our health below:
#1: Air Pollution
We are constantly breathing in poisonous gases that are invisible and choking out the fresh air we desire. The carbon monoxide in exhaust fumes has an affinity for the hemoglobin in our blood that is 250 times greater than oxygen.
This colorless, odorless gas is everywhere and displacing the life-giving oxygen we need. It is mixed with all sorts of carcinogens that slowly mutate our DNA molecules. This can lead to the development of asthma, fatigue, and even emphysema.
You can also use electric vehicles to try and decrease your contribution to air pollution. EVs are able to be bought just about anywhere now as long as you are at a dealership or a place that specializes in them, like Edmunds. While electric vehicles have their positives and negatives like automobiles that run off of fossil fuels it has been shown they do help with the shape of the environment.
#2: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other (VOCs) chemicals left over from the manufacturing process can evaporate from the new materials used to build cars for years after, especially in hot climates. These materials are highly carcinogenic and may be harming drivers more than we know.
#3: Road Rage
Studies show that driving in dense traffic can raise blood pressure and increase irritability. Many drivers fail to consider the emotional impact of driving. Drivers may constantly be offended by the bad driving habits of others or become frustrated with inadequacies in infrastructure leading to congestion.
A higher prevalence of heart attacks occur in traffic jams as a result. The emotional experiences that many drivers feel when tormented by in their daily commutes can shorten their lifespans with stress. Commuters are particularly susceptible because they are often caught in the gridlock of rush-hour traffic where minor infractions of other motorists can put them at risks for accidents or greatly delay their commutes.
#4: Fatigue
Many drivers suffer from spending long hours on the roads. Their hips and feet can begin to hurt from sitting in one position for too long and pressing on pedals. Car seats may exacerbate back problems and lead to general discomfort.
The fatigue manifests as a type of tiredness and weakness where it seems difficult to keep your eyes open and hold onto the steering wheel in an upright position.
Rumble strips on the roads have helped somewhat to wake up drivers who are swerving off the roads. But when drivers are traveling at a high rate of speed, there is little time to react.
#5: Our Vehicles Reflect Our Health
A vehicle that is clean and well organized may reflect our own personalities. If we are organized mentally, we will ensure that are possessions are neat and clean. A vehicle that is cluttered and in disarray can show signs of attention deficit disorders or mood problems by the lack of motivation to solve the problem.
Keeping your vehicle looking shiny and new demonstrates strong character traits that likely manifest in other areas of your life. Although it is possible for people to fall behind on visual upkeep of their vehicles due to the lack of time or money, you can often tell a lot about someone by how well they care for their vehicle.