Lonely Highway: Survey shows people miss driving

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Americans are ready to break free of the shackles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and driving will be a big part of that once individuals start coming up from the basement or out of the living room to see the sun again.

A new survey from Hankook Tire America Corp. shows that more than three out of four respondents miss driving, the tire manufacturer said, citing the results of its latest "Gauge Index" survey.

"One of the most significant findings from our latest Gauge survey was that the majority of Americans actually miss driving as a result of the pandemic," Brooklyn Emery, brand communications manager for Hankook, said.

This story is featured in the May 25, 2020 edition of Tire Business.

"We expected that people would be driving less as a result of the stay-at-home orders, but to see just how much they miss it really speaks to the sense of freedom that driving provides."

The survey also shows three out of five wanting to take more road trips once they are able.

"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," Peter Jung, senior vice president and chief operating officer, said.

"The data reveals Americans have a renewed appreciation for road trips, car rides and time spent with loved ones," he continued.

A survey of 1,094 randomly selected drivers took place April 22-23 as part of the Hankook Tire Gauge Index.

Results reveal 88% of respondents canceled or postponed plans and 47% canceled vacations. Only 43% expect to take a vacation this summer, but 62% are looking forward to an upcoming trip, the survey shows.

While travel has been severely impacted by the coronavirus, 57% indicated they will take to the road when they do plan their next vacation.

People are far more comfortable using cars than planes for travel due to the virus — 62% versus 11%.

"And it's likely that sentiment will continue for some time," the company said.

Just who will be in the car once people feel more comfortable hitting the open roads once again?

The survey indicates most people will travel "with a loved one in the passenger seat."

That includes 40% who said they will travel with a spouse or significant other. Another 18% said their travel companions will be their offspring. Just 11% plan to travel alone.

"The Gauge revealed that Americans are twice as likely to want to road-trip with their spouse or significant other when restrictions lift, as opposed to their children," Ms. Emery said. "We didn't go so far as to ask why, but it does offer an interesting — and, in some ways — amusing window into who Americans might be spending too little, or too much, quality time with right now."

A key reason driving has fallen off in recent months involves the closing of restaurants and retail locations.

"The decline has less to do with worry or anxiety over driving and more to do with having few places to go. Those who drive less often point to social distancing and stay at home orders preventing them from doing normal activities," Hankook said.

Hitting the road is a way of life in the U.S., and 53% said they drove every day before the pandemic. That number fell to only about 20% once the pandemic hit. More than three-fourths said restaurant closures were a factor and 69% cited retail closings as a factor. Changes in employment, at 55%, and education, 51%, also were considerations.

While most people are driving less, 37% of respondents said they were on the road just as much or more, performing essential jobs or traveling to look after family members needing assistance, for instance..

Ms. Emery indicated that number might be unexpectedly high to some.

"However, when we asked why drivers are doing so, many pointed to how they are driving to an essential job, making more trips for essential items or taking care of family members, which speaks to how Americans are coming together to help one another in these times," she said.

Some even reported taking drives just to break the boredom of being in the house so much. Almost two-thirds of the people surveyed, 64%, said driving provides "peace of mind," and 62% said it is a "stress relief," Hankook reported.

"The Gauge Index is an ongoing tool we use to keep our hands on the pulse of how American feel about all things related to driving. Given the current circumstances, these results are also particularly helpful to understand evolving consumer needs, and how we can best support them," Ms. Emery said.