Drivers are going to spend lots of time in their cars this holiday season, with 84 percent of Americans surveyed stating they are more likely to drive than fly to destinations this year, according to a new survey.
Nashville, Tennessee-based Hankook Tire has released findings from its latest Gauge Index Survey ahead of Christmas. Perhaps unsurprisingly, nearly half, 48 percent of the nearly 900 surveyed said they would "yes" to new tires as a gift this holiday season. That number rises to 57 percent in the Midwest.
Wes Boling, public relations manager for Hankook, told Mega Dealer News that the No. 1 message is that the holiday season is the most important time of year for traveling. But, Boling added, the importance of tire safety can not be overestimated, particularly in the north of the U.S. and in Canada. As the outside temperature drops, so does tire pressure, decreasing 1-2 pounds for every 10-degree drop in ambient air temperature.
Drivers are expected to clock up an average 275 miles over the two-week season, Boling said. People will travel 50 miles or more to celebrate a holiday gathering.
"The headline from Hankook is enjoy the holiday season more" with a safe set of tires," Boling said.
Other takes from the survey include many people -- over 50 percent -- say their driving style is generous, allowing others in their lane when in traffic. Some 12 percent admit to being much more aggressive drivers.
Respondents were also asked where they would prefer to spend. Thirty-eight percent of drivers voted for a beach destination as their ideal vacation followed by New York at 24 percent.
Overall, 14 percent of Americans would like to spend the holidays in New Orleans, with nearly a quarter (23 percent) of those residing in the South preferring to spend the holidays in The Big Easy.
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