A SURVEY of nearly 1,000 battle-hardened truckers by a specialist magazine suggests that for the modern truck driver, fry-ups are still popular but may be on the way out, alcohol is drunk in moderation if at all and regular exercise is on the way in. "We're not necessarily saying that these guys go to Pilates, weave their own yoghurt, and cry when a girl says it's over but, at the same time, the survey doesn't support the traditional stereotypical view of truck drivers," said Andy Salter, editor of Commercial Motor, the magazine behind the survey which has been carried out for National Men's Health Week, June 13-17.

The magazine has a strong business focus and is read by truck industry bosses, rather than the truck drivers themselves, and they have welcomed the results. "I am delighted," said Nigel Emms, director of commercial communications for truck manufacturer Iveco. "Personally, I get a bit fed-up of the way in which truck drivers are routinely portrayed, and I know from personal experience that it doesn't reflect the reality."

The truckers were quizzed at four locations and were surprisingly willing to tell researchers about their sensitive sides. Less than a quarter reckoned to eat a fry-up at least once a day, over half said they exercised regularly, and two thirds considered themselves fit. Only 10% said they drank more than 20 units of alcohol a week - Department of Health guidelines say that three to four units per day should not lead to any significant health risks.

Over half confessed that they snacked between meals, but many said they were likely to choose fruit rather than crisps or chocolate. "These questions were asked at truck shops - service areas for lorry drivers - and people answered them in front of their mates," said Mr Salter. "Answers like this just wouldn't have been very street cred a few years ago.