Just how unhealthy is driving a taxi? I drive a small diesel Private Hire vehicle in the south of England. I've not been operating for long, and find myself wondering just how healthy fastest internet connection job is? Yesterday I came back internet troubleshooting base from an airport run - that's about three hours, give or take, in the car, with a couple of leg stretches when loading and unloading my passengers and their baggage. I was surprised at how I felt when I 'dismounted' from the driver's seat on my return - tired, a little stiff - uncomfortable. I used to drive a lot in my old job in sales - about fifty thousand miles a year - and the biggest problem I found in that job was an expanding waistline.
Now, I appreciate that it was as much to do with business lunches and flying a PC as it was sitting behind the wheel, but the weight gain was a fact. So, that's the first two broadband and line rental problems a taxi driver faces: sitting direct internet long and gaining weight! But, dangerous as these are, there's another health risk sitting in your car: the 'fares'! How often there's a snivel, a cough, a nose-blowing going on, as people return from overseas travel, or, let's face it, just being a stranger crossing paths. A taxi cab, like the sealed aluminum tube that is a modern jet, is a great place for germs to meet new hosts. OK, that's three: weight, a static life-style, and infection. But the biggest health risk is moving at speed along the public highway.
Every mile you do puts you in harm's way - the other driver, tiredness, your car, debris on the carriageway, pedestrians, livestock, wildlife and the weather. I've not included alcohol, as anyone driving having had a drink is streamyx tweak stupid and illegal, and taxi-drivers value their licenses too much to make this kind of obvious mistake. This all sounds a little unhealthy to me - so what to do about it? Simple! Exercise (a walk that'll relax the aching muscles after a long drive; or more vigorous exercise that'll help keep the weight off); plenty of sleep (especially before an early pick-up); and don't drink the night before a morning pick up. Eat well, but not too much. Make sure your vehicle is in good order. Drive with care, be alert! small business broadband plenty of fresh air in the car (without letting your fare get cold!) and use the air-con as little as possible. Take a break. Eat fruit!
Ethical Taxi operate a private hire vehicle in South Wiltshire, UK, specialising in airport transfer work, for more information on the services offered visit the Ethical Taxi website.
