Hankook survey: 77% of Americans plan to hit road this year

NASHVILLE — More than three-fourths of Americans expect to take a road trip this year — and nearly most of them plan to do it by the end of the summer, according to the latest survey from the Hankook Gauge Index.

Despite the surge in gas prices nationally, 77% of respondents say they plan to drive to a destination this year, with 60% expecting to do so by the end of summer.

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According to Hankook, the survey also found:

• With turbulence in air travel, 71% of Americans say they will travel by car as their next vacation's primary mode of transportation. The say this is due to overall preference for automotive travel (42%) or seeking added flexibility (40%).
• Travelers have positive attitudes. Hankook found 69% feel excited or hopeful, another 1 in 10 (11%) are determined to make it happen.
• Many are willing to travel long distances. Of the half of Americans who have already taken a vacation this year, the Hankook Gauge found 35% took a trip that involved long-distance travel.

Most of the updated Gauge data can be found at TechAndTread.com.