Driving To Better Health

There are approximately 17,000 taxicab operators within the 22 taxicab associations in Chicagoland.  This population is at high risk for multiple health issues due to the culture of the taxicab profession.  Recent reports from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also put taxi drivers at the highest risk for on-the-job homicide.  Without a doubt, taxicab operators are often forgotten when it comes to healthcare services and delivery.  About 91% of taxicab operators do not have health insurance while they face many barriers to healthcare services.  Because of their long working hours, they lack time for routine health check-ups and screenings.  However, their long working hours in sedentary positions, coupled with bad eating habits and lack of exercise, place them at high risk for cancer and cardiovascular diseases.  Driving to Better Health has been specifically implemented to address the health issues of this forgotten population.  800 taxicab drivers participated in this project.