In case you didn’t have enough motivation to lose weight, here’s another reason: A recent study showed that obese people are at a higher risk of dying in car crashes.
According to the study, a driver who is moderately obese is 21% more likely to die in a severe car crash compared to non-obese drivers. If you’re seriously obese, that number jumps up to 56%.
The researchers say that car manufacturers need to consider these findings and use them in designing safer cars. Said the study’s lead author:
“The rate of obesity is continuing to rise, so is it imperative that car designs are modified to protect the obese population, and that crash tests are done using a full range of dummy sizes.”
He continued:
“Extending the range of adjustable seats would be helpful, as well as encouraging moderately and morbidly obese individuals to buy larger vehicles with more space between the seat and the steering column.”
The short term solution is to fix the cars, the long-term solution is for Americans to start taking car of themselves.
[Image via AP Images.]