Stuck in traffic? You’re not alone. A recent study shows that just a 30-second delay per mile can lead people to opt for fast food. The longer the wait, the more likely they’ll swing by a drive-thru.
Becca Taylor, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois, shared, “When traffic jams occur in the early evening, we notice a rise in fast food stops. People face a tough choice: cook at home, stop by the grocery store, or grab something quick from fast food.” Fast food often wins in these situations.
In research published in the Journal of Urban Economics, scientists examined traffic data from Los Angeles, a city known for its heavy congestion. They found that unexpected traffic delays led to a 1% increase in fast food visits, equating to about 1.2 million additional visits each year in L.A. County. Taylor emphasized that even a small increase can represent a significant change in eating habits.
The research team studied over two years of traffic patterns and compared them to cell phone data showing people searching for fast food. This helped them connect traffic jams with a rise in fast food visits.
Think about a 30-second delay. It changes the experience of driving significantly, especially from morning to evening traffic. More fast food visits happened during the evening rush hour, highlighting how traffic can influence nutrition choices.
On days with heavy congestion, people were likely to avoid grocery stores and head straight for fast food. Taylor pointed out that time constraints play a big role in food choices. Reducing traffic could help promote healthier eating habits.
As the study suggests, being stuck in traffic can lead to not just unhealthy eating, but also fewer opportunities for physical activity. More time in traffic often translates to more stops at fast food restaurants.
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