Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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1. Driving in traffic is stressful
People who use alternative methods of getting to and from work report feeling less-pressured and less-stressed while on the job. This stress can not only impact one's emotional health but also their physical health. CNN reports that a study conducted in 2012 by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine "found that the farther people commute by vehicle, the higher their blood pressure and body mass index is likely to be." Getting caught in traffic congestion can make anyone feel a little on edge, and with construction underway, traffic delays are even longer and more frequent. Changing your work schedule so you miss the brunt of congested traffic conditions or even working from home are both great options to help you avoid stress and improve productivity.
2. Driving requires too much attention
When driving, your focus has to be on the road, and maybe that guy in front of you who doesn’t realize he has to merge. There are better ways to spend your mental energy. For example, by carpooling to work, you can give more attention to building meaningful relationships with co-workers. Or, by riding transit to work, you can spend some time catching up on missed sleep or finalizing that presentation you’re supposed to be giving in 20 minutes. The point is you can get more out of your commute when you don’t have to focus on it.
3. Driving does nothing for your health
Even if you have the longest driveway in the neighborhood, you aren’t getting much exercise when you walk to your car in the morning. Sitting in your car while you putter through traffic doesn’t do anything to burn calories either. But, if you rethink your commute and walk or ride a bike to work, you’ll start to see some serious health benefits. Even walking to and from your Frontrunner stop can give you a little bit of exercise you wouldn't get otherwise.
4. Driving pollutes our air
While the Wasatch Mountains are pretty, they can also trap pollution in the valleys. The thousands of cars driving on our roads only compound this problem. A survey by Envision Utah released early this year found that 11 percent of Utahns "identified poor air quality as the most negative thing about living in Utah."
If you rethink your commute, however, you can help improve Utah’s air quality. Whether you carpool, ride transit or just walk to work, every small contribution helps to mend Utah’s pollution problem. Now that’s a breath of fresh air.
5. Driving is expensive
Cars are expensive and gas prices are always on the rise. In other words, driving to work isn’t cheap, and it isn’t going to get cheaper any time soon. Carpooling with just one other person can cut your monthly gas expenses in half. Walking or biking to work is basically free. Telecommuting is another option with almost no costs. If saving some money is important to you, it might be time to rethink your commute.
To learn more about how to rethink your commute, visit udot.utah.gov/rethink.
