Shifting Gears: More Americans Get Back Behind The Wheel

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a simple, unavoidable influence on our world – from the way in which we conduct enterprise, to how we store for groceries. It has shifted our concept of what’s essential in life, and in response to Hankook Tire’s newest Gauge Index, Individuals say spending time with household is a prime precedence. In gentle of every little thing 2020 has introduced to this point, Individuals are shifting gears with a renewed emphasis on issues we could have beforehand taken as a right: from time spent with family members, to street journeys to our favorite trip locations, and even surprisingly, our everyday commute.

The rise of the street journey

Summer season is often synonymous with taking a break and making an escape to someplace enjoyable, and for a lot of, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in these plans. However, Hankook discovered that just about two-thirds (62%) of Individuals are nonetheless hopeful and excited concerning the concept of an upcoming trip. And greater than probably, that trip will likely be a street journey.

As customers stay skeptical of touring by airplane and different types of public transit, they’re discovering a secure hygiene haven in their very own autos. In response to the Gauge, 60% of Individuals count on to take extra street journeys because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many count on an increase in street journey plans to enable vacationers to discover whereas nonetheless safely adhering to social distancing pointers.

So, who’re they going with? Whilst restrictions carry, Individuals stay unsure about touring with folks outdoors their households. On the similar time, they do not essentially need to journey with everybody of their family.

When Hankook requested who Individuals would most prefer to journey with after the pandemic restrictions ease, the best choice was their important difference or partner (40%), indicating a want to spend some high-quality time collectively. Touring with a partner or important difference was greater than twice as common as the following hottest alternative: touring together with your kids (18%). Good time to test to ensure your babysitters can be found!

Redefining the every day drive

Individuals’ desire for wheels over wings would not simply cease on the subject of planning their subsequent trip. It would even have a major influence on the everyday commute. The Gauge discovered that Individuals extensively agree automotive journey would be the prime type of transportation after the COVID-19 pandemic finally subsides (62%). Solely a small proportion of individuals count on to recurrently use different types of transportation – together with public transit (9%), trip sharing (7%) and trains (6%) – with identical regularity.

After all, no person is aware of what that common rush hour would possibly seem like, as workplaces throughout the nation search for methods to securely stagger workforces and encourage working from residence to permit for correct social distancing. Many will proceed to keep away from commutes altogether as firms encourage staff to maintain working from residence. When the time is true to renew your everyday commute to work or faculty, ensure that your automobile is prepared for the job as properly by checking your tire strain, any flat spots developed from extended parking and that A/C methods are able to preserve issues cool this summer time!

General, it is clear that one of many many views the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped is Individuals’ attitudes towards driving. What could have as soon as been an every day drag would possibly now be a crucial change in routine, and a welcome alternative to spending time with those who matter most.