Far from being junk food-loving and exercise-shy, today’s van drivers in Britain are far more likely to be on a health drive.
The research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reveals that more than 50% of Britain’s van drivers go to the gym or exercise more than three times a week.
One in 10 also claims to eat a very healthy diet of fruit, vegetables and salad while on the road.
Researchers from Onepoll.com also found that four in 10 (41%) of van drivers will swap sugary and salty snacks for salads and fruit as they try to eat as healthily as possible, despite being out and about for the majority of their day.
And more than three quarters do at least one form of exercise every week, with those in the West Midlands the most active, working out an average of three times a week. Scottish van drivers exercise the least.
Drivers also claim to be more polite, patient and understanding on the road than the old ‘white van man’ stereotype would indicate. In fact 39% are concerned about the stereotype associated with the white van driver, while 27% went as far as to say they think it’s unfair.
Six in 10 say they are courteous drivers and half claim to be polite and understanding, while 47% have stopped to help road users who have broken down or been involved in an accident.
In further proof that the ‘white van man’ image is outdated, 43% of the 500 van drivers interviewed were women.
And when it comes to hobbies and interests, 35% enjoy reading and 28% love cooking. Other popular hobbies include going to the theatre (22%), collecting antiques (10%) art or drawing (15%).
