Bacteria taken off swabs of the seats, steering wheel, radio and door handles turned up everything from Staphylococcus to Bacillus cereus -- and if you're not familiar with those names, know that getting some on a stray french fry can lead to everything from impetigo to severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In other words: food poisoning. Everyday drivers track such bacteria into the car via soil on their shoes, pets, luggage, you name it.

The study also found that 70 percent of respondents said they ate in the car regularly, and many of those habitually left food behind in the vehicle, which is an even easier way to pick up a bit of nastiness.

If you must eat on the run? Scientists suggest that you treat your car like your kitchen table and wipe it down just as often as you would that piece of furniture. Clean hands also help.