Flexibility cited as a top reason travelers choose to go by car, but preparations are key for vehicles and children alike. Eighty-three percent indicate they take at least one summer road trip, according to a survey fielded by Bridgestone Americas in May 2014 among 2,000 U.S. adults.
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Summer travel season is officially underway, and for most Americans that means packing a bag and hitting the road. Eighty-three percent indicate they take at least one summer road trip, according to a survey fielded by Bridgestone Americas in May 2014 among 2,000 U.S. adults.
Cost is widely regarded as the leading reason Americans choose to drive rather than fly, but those who take summer road trips say road travel has many additional benefits. A top response, 58 percent choose road travel over air because it gives them greater flexibility. Other leading reasons summer road travelers choose to travel by vehicle rather than plane are because their destination is too close to fly (44 percent), they enjoy driving (38 percent), and they want to avoid potential flight cancellations (23 percent).
“Our research confirms flexibility is king – it allows summer travelers to stay in control of their busy lives, even when they’re on vacation,” said Erik Seidel, vice president of branding for Bridgestone Americas. “In the land of Route 66, the Ventura Highway and Florida’s scenic route US 1, we know consumers enjoy the experience only car travel can provide, and we expect this trend to continue.”
On average, U.S. adults are willing to drive more than 500 miles on a summer road trip. When asked what could ruin a summer road trip, Americans said a fender bender (74 percent) and a flat tire (49 percent) were the top two mishaps. While a fender bender can be unpreventable, being stranded with a flat tire is something drivers can avoid with the new DriveGuard tire line from Bridgestone. DriveGuard tires allow drivers to travel up to 50 miles at up to 50 miles per hour if a puncture or loss of pressure should occur.
Preparation is the key to success for any summer road trip, and drivers are taking time to prepare their vehicles for the journey. Four out of five (81 percent) of those who take summer road trips perform vehicle maintenance to ensure their vehicles are ready. Of those who perform vehicle maintenance before hitting the road this summer:
- 84 percent will check tire pressures
- 82 percent will check fluid levels
- 60 percent will change the oil
For parents, preparation includes more than just proper vehicle maintenance. Eighty-three percent of parents who take summer road trips pack snacks and 67 percent pack entertainment for their summer drive. There does not appear to be a correlation between preparedness and children’s contentment, as nearly three-quarters of parents who take a summer road trip with their kids can’t seem to avoid hearing three phrases from their children:
- “I have to go to the bathroom” (74 percent)
- “I’m hungry” (73 percent)
- “Are we there yet?” (72 percent)
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
