Sixty-percent of respondents to Hankook Tire America Corp.'s latest Gauge Index survey say they will take more trips by car as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seventy-six percent of respondents say that they miss driving. (Nearly 90% of respondents reported that they canceled or postponed an event or vacation due to COVID-19. But 62% are “excited or hopeful” about their next vacation.)
“When vacation travel plans can resume, the survey indicates that there will likely be an increase in road trips, as 57% say they plan to take their next vacation by car,” say Hankook officials.
“According to the Gauge, Americans are currently more than five times more comfortable traveling by car (62%) than via plane (11%), and it's likely that sentiment will continue for some time. Americans also selected traveling by car as the top mode.”
Since the onset of COVID-19, only one in five respondents “are driving daily.The decline has less to do with worry or anxiety over driving, and more to do with having fewer places to go. Those who drive less often point to social distancing and stay at home orders preventing them from doing their normal activities, especially those related to consumerism.
“Alternatively, some (37%) are driving as often or more since the pandemic hit. Many who are doing so are going to an essential job or to help take care of family members who may not be able to get behind the wheel right now. Others are going on drives to get out of the house.
“Driving has also offered a form of escapism. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans say that driving gives them peace of mind, and just as many (62%) consider it stress relief.”
"The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted priorities in various aspects of our lives, and the latest findings from our Gauge Index shows that Americans truly enjoy driving," says Peter Jung, senior vice president and COO, Hankook Tire America Corp.
"The data reveals Americans have a renewed appreciation for road trips, car rides, and time spent with loved ones. When it's safe to be on the road regularly, Hankook looks forward to supporting drivers as they once again begin to journey along the open road."
The Hankook Tire Gauge Index is a survey of Americans' attitudes and opinions. The latest installment of the survey, conducted April 22-23, 2020, polled 1,094 randomly selected Americans age 18+ who have a valid U.S. drivers license.
