Commuting by car is detrimental to people’s mental health, according to a recent study conducted in Spain. The research revealed that the more time and money individuals spent driving to work, the worse their mental health outcomes were. Specifically, longer commuting times resulted in less sleep, increased feelings of depression and pressure, and overall poorer mental health. Similarly, higher expenses on commuting were associated with more sleep deprivation and depression.
The majority of participants in the study, around 77%, commuted via private vehicles such as cars or motorbikes, while approximately 7% used public transportation, and 16% engaged in active commuting methods like walking or biking.
Interestingly, driving was found to be the most time-consuming and costly form of transportation analyzed in the study. In comparison, individuals who utilized public transit, walked, or biked to work spent significantly less time and money on their commutes.
In the United States, around 76% of commuters rely on their cars for transportation. The average commute time in the US was approximately 26.8 minutes in 2021. While commute times and expenses vary across the country, Americans generally spend less time driving to work compared to using public transit.
The findings of this Spanish study are consistent with previous research on the negative impacts of commuting on health and mental well-being. Studies conducted in the UK and other parts of the world have demonstrated that car commuters have a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lower levels of happiness and social connections compared to those who utilize public transportation.
In conclusion, commuting by car not only contributes to environmental pollution and traffic congestion but also poses a significant risk to mental health. Investing in alternative modes of transportation and reducing reliance on cars can potentially improve overall well-being and happiness.
