Hankook Tire Data: 62% of Americans More Comfortable Traveling By Car

Hankook Tire Data Reveals Driving Attitudes During Pandemic

The survey found that 60 percent of Americans say they want to take more trips by car as a result of the pandemic.

New research from Hankook Tire reveals that as COVID-19 has kept many Americans home, three-in-four (76%) say they miss being behind the wheel.

The survey also found that there is a desire to spend more time on the road, as 60% of Americans say they want to take more trips by car as a result of the pandemic.

Hankook says the survey also found that 88% of Americans canceled or postponed plans because of COVID-19. And nearly one-in-two (47%) canceled a vacation. However, while only 43% of Americans expect they will be able to take their next vacation this summer, they are steering towards positivity. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of those surveyed said they are hopeful or excited about an upcoming trip.

Hankook-Tire-Gauge-Index-Coronavirus

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. According to the survey, 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 for transportation after the pandemic.

Additionally, when it comes to road trips post-pandemic, a majority of Americans want to travel with a loved one in the passenger seat. When asked who they would most like to take a vacation with once travel restrictions are lifted, 40% of Americans selected their spouse or significant other – which is two times more than the second most popular pick, their child or children (18%). Only 11% said they would like to travel alone.

Prior to the onset of COVID-19, about half (53%) of Americans were driving daily. Since the onset, only 1 in 5 are doing the same. 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. The survey found that restaurant closures (73%) and retail closures (69%) are more likely to impact Americans’ driving habits than employment (55%) or education (51%).

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 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-plus who have a valid U.S. driver’s license.

You May Also Like

Yokohama Rubber reveals 2024 motorsports activity plan

Yokohama said participation in motorsports activities is crucial to its efforts to strengthen the Advan and GeoLandar brands.

Yokohama-Nitrocross

Yokohama Rubber revealed its motorsports activity plan for 2024. The company said participation in motorsports activities is crucial to its efforts to strengthen the Advan and GeoLandar brands and is again participating in a wide variety of motorsports events around the globe, from top-category to grassroots events.

Yokohama Rubber will again supply its Advan tires to many teams participating in motorsports events, such as Japan’s Super GT, the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Yokohama Rubber’s GeoLandar tires will be supplied to teams participating in off-road races in North America and Asia, including the Baja 1000, King of the Hammers, the Mint 400 and the Asia Cross Country Rally.

TIA’s Advanced Farm Tire Service training to take place in June

The training class for technicians in the agricultural and farm tire industries is set to take place June 11-14.

TIA_training-
Maxxis-sponsored athletes make podium, overall top 10 at Mint 400

Maxxis athletes Michael McFayden, Ethan Ebert and Trey Gibbs had podium finishes at the Mint 400 on Maxxis RAZR XT tires.

2024-mint400-maxxis
Sun Auto Tire reveals winner of Ford Bronco Sport giveaway

Lowell Anderson entered the giveaway at his local Sun Auto Tire & Service store while receiving a routine oil change.

Sun-Auto-Bronco-giveaway
Nokian Tyres holds bracket challenge on worst roads in North America

In 2023, the tiremaker’s audience voted Quebec as the province or state with the worst road conditions on the continent.

Pothole-Protection-from-Nokian-Tyres

Other Posts

Hankook to display its iON tire lineup at this year’s Electrify Expo

Hankook will also sponsor Electrify Expo’s Demo District, designed to provide hands-on experiences with EVs.

Hankook-iON-Electrify-Expo
Gallery: 2024 Big O Tires conference and convention

Highlights from this year’s Big O Tires conference and convention, featuring a general session, trade show and breakout sessions.

Gary-Skidmore
Bridgestone’s Firestone Liberia rubber farm receives ISCC Plus recognition

According to Bridgestone, its Liberia facility earned the ISCC Plus certification for its efforts in reducing environmental impacts.

Firestone_Liberia
Ascenso Tires adds new OEM sales manager

Douglas Duesing has more than ten years of experience working in agriculture, construction and mining OEMs.

Ascenso-Douglas-Duesing-1400