NEW YORK — No planes or trains, simply cars. When planning a highway journey, many go for driving over every other journey methodology. Actually, the common father or mother will drive over 1,400 miles to their vacation spot earlier than contemplating one other mode of transportation, in response to new analysis.
A survey of two,000 automotive homeowners or drivers who’re dad and mom of school-aged kids revealed that when occurring a visit, dad and mom will drive a mean of 1,479 miles earlier than selecting to fly or take a prepare. To place it into context – that’s longer than a one-way journey from NYC to Walt Disney World.
Not solely do 85 % of oldsters want to drive each time doable, however 78 % consider that their baby additionally prefers to be within the automotive. Actually, the common household takes about 5 highway journeys per 12 months, which means the common household car has seen about 25 totally different ones in its lifetime.
Automobiles are an extension of the household residence
Performed by OnePoll on behalf of Kelley Blue Ebook, outcomes additionally discovered that 73 % contemplate their automotive to be an extension of their residence. For 57 % of oldsters, household autos have earned their residence 2.0 standing attributable to the truth that they’ve owned it longer than their house or home.
However for others, making reminiscences (51%), spending time with household (50%) and sharing meals collectively (47%) provides their automotive a homey really feel.
Virtually two-thirds (65%) of oldsters spend a minimum of half-hour driving each day, with 12 % spending greater than three hours every day behind the wheel. One-quarter (25%) say they use their automotive largely to commute to work each day. However the prime purpose dad and mom use their automotive is to drive their baby to actions reminiscent of sports activities apply or music classes (46%).
On common, dad and mom have owned their automotive for about 5 years, although 25 % have been driving the identical wheels for seven or extra years. And respondents connect fond reminiscences to those autos, as they’ve safely transported a brand new household residence after their baby was born (39%) and created reminiscences on the primary household highway journey (36%).
“Household automobiles are usually not simply modes of transportation, however vessels of reminiscences,” says a spokesperson for Kelley Blue Ebook, in an announcement. “From highway journeys to soccer video games, first dates to driving exams, household automobiles have been witness to numerous life occasions and have turn into part of the household story.”
Excellent household autos
Regardless of the stereotypes, nearly three-quarters (74%) by no means thought they’d personal the kind of automotive they presently personal — 26 % presently personal a minivan and one other 19 % contemplate it their ultimate household car.
Rising up, dad and mom dreamt of sure options of their household automotive, like a TV (45%) sunroof (45%), audio system (44%), snack dispensers (43%) and even flight (42%). Immediately they’re hoping for extra sensible options reminiscent of adaptive cruise management (35%), blind spot warnings (34%) and automated emergency braking (33%). Although some maintain onto extra infantile ambitions, reminiscent of snack dispensers (32%) or the flexibility for his or her automotive to fly (29%).
“For households who spend a big period of time on the highway, the significance of being each snug and protected in your car can’t be overstated,” provides the spokesperson. “Whether or not it’s for lengthy highway journeys or day by day commutes, having a dependable automotive that gives consolation and comfort could make all of the distinction. Whereas dad and mom could dream of particular options, the fact is that household automobiles are the one issue that see all of it – from meals on the go to extracurricular actions – and a snug trip will help make these experiences extra fulfilling.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American drivers/automotive homeowners who’re additionally dad and mom of school-aged youngsters was commissioned by Kelley Blue Ebook between March 24 and March 29, 2023. It was performed by market analysis firm OnePoll, whose staff members are members of the Market Analysis Society and have company membership to the American Affiliation for Public Opinion Analysis (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Advertising and marketing Analysis (ESOMAR).
