The innovation that is the automobile has changed our lives forever. No longer are we geographically bound to our homes, jobs, or choices for entertainment. American commuters say that their average commute takes around 26 minutes with a median value of 20 minutes; the worst of commutes can take an average of 46 minutes however. With the average American spending around 87 minutes per day in their vehicle, the issue of road pollution and its environmental impact is a pertinent one for our daily lives.
The Nature of Road Pollution
Everything that could leak out of a vehicle has made its way onto the road in some capacity. When picturing oil spills and other auto accidents, it is no surprise to learn that the road is full of contaminates that could pose a serious risk to driver health. In addition to this, the emissions released by automobiles plays a serious detriment to air quality. Experts suggest to avoid following diesel cars or trucks and to use the carpool lane whenever possible as its air is anywhere from 30 to 50% cleaner thanks to the lack of buses and trucks in said lane.
Your Car’s Environment
A survey conducted by The Dohring Co. found that 95% of respondents are concerned about air pollutants within their vehicle. This is for good reason as numerous studies actually give us insight into how dirty our cars actually are. It is stated that the environment inside of your vehicle may be anywhere from two to 10 times more polluted than breezes over the freeway are. A study done by GAP Enviromicrobial Services actually found that the car is consistently dirtier than the home, having up to 17,000 times more bacteria. Another study done by the Anston University in Birmingham found that the truck contains around 850 bacteria — this is typically where many people choose to place their groceries.
Auto Flooring Solutions
The floor of your vehicle is where contaminates and bacteria tend to gather before dispersing themselves throughout the vehicle. Experts suggest getting a replacement carpet installed in your vehicle if your current carpeting is over 10 years old. Auto flooring comes in a variety of styles that can help minimize the collection of contaminants and bacteria; car flooring can be made specifically to fit your vehicle’s make, model, and year. When used in conjunction with floor mats, drivers are able to successfully decrease the potential accumulation of dirt, bacteria, and contaminates from the ground; rubber floor mats are easy to clean as well. As technology advances, so too will the availability of auto flooring solutions with new materials offering an advanced level of protection against bacteria, mold, and dust. Some auto flooring materials are specially treated to be water resistant. Likewise, for those with bed trucks it is recommended that a waterproof bed liner be installed to help protect your vehicle from damage. Find an auto parts dealer near you to determine what auto flooring products are right for your ride.