US Drivers Show an Increased Dependence on Cars During COVID
The pandemic has brought its fair share of chaos and unfortunate events this year. Yet it’s also caused people to get more creative with finding new outlets to unwind and regain some sense of normalcy. A new survey indicates that cars are one “silver lining” that is helping many Americans stay sane during 2020.
Ready to Explore: Prep your vehicle for an upcoming road trip
Survey results
Photo: General Motors
The survey, sponsored by Ally Financial and conducted by OnePoll, had some fascinating findings. One of the main take-aways is that Americans are reimagining how they use cars, as president of Ally Insurance Mark Manzo articulates. “Even though many of us are using our vehicles differently, cars are more vital than ever, serving as a source of solitude and providing a safe means of travel for us and our families.”
The statistics from the study confirmed this new shift in American’s perception and use of cars. For one thing, 72 percent of car owners state that going for solo drives is a great way to feel mentally at peace. In addition, 53 percent of female respondents and 73 percent of men spoke of their vehicles as their “fortress of solitude.”
Going for joy rides isn’t the only way that Americans are using their vehicles during the pandemic. Private vehicles are also becoming more popular choices for transportation as many workers ditch public transit due to COVID-related safety concerns. Yet others are using their vehicles as mobile offices, as teleworking becomes a new reality for many companies’ workforces.
The survey is similar to one performed by TrueCar earlier this year and suggests that Americans’ feelings about their cars won’t change anytime soon.
The Ally Financial survey indicates a new American perspective on cars that will linger into 2021 and beyond. It marks a departure from viewing cars as an extension of the self, as the majority of respondents indicated in an Ipsos poll just two years ago, and a move toward viewing cars as refuges of safety, connectivity, and health in an uncertain social context.
New Year, New Ride: Find a new companion for your 2021 travels
Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.