driver preparedness: a 2014 survey of drivers age 30+ · driver preparedness: a 2014 survey of...

Driver Preparedness: A 2014

survey of Drivers Age 30+

November 2014

Driver Preparedness: A 2014

survey of Drivers Age 30+

Report prepared by

Sarah Conroy

Copyright © 2014

AARP Research

601 E Street NW

Washington, DC 20049

http://www.aarp.org/research/

Reprinting with Permission

https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00090.001

Driver Preparedness: A 2014 survey of Drivers Age 30+ i

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Laura Skufca for her numerous contributions in developing the survey and editing

the report. She would also like to thank Leah Scanlan and the rest of the AARP Driver Safety team for their input

in developing the survey. Additionally, she would like to acknowledge Woelfel Research for collecting and

tabulating the data. For additional information, please contact the author at [email protected].

Driver Preparedness: A 2014 survey of Drivers Age 30+ ii

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1

Background and Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………1

Key Findings…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1

DETAILED FINDINGS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Preparing the Car for Trips……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3

Planning for Car Trips……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5

Traveling to Unfamiliar Destinations………………………………………………………………………………………………..7

Items to Have in the Car during Trips……………………………………………………………………………………………….7

Stopping During Car Trips…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Potential Concerns during Car Trips…………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Using Navigation Systems………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Adjusting to Traffic Conditions……………………………………………………………………………………………………….11

Belonging to Roadside Assistance Programs…………………………………………………………………………………12

Changing a Tire and Jump-Starting a Car………………………………………………………………………………………..12

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13

Annotated Questionnaire……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14

Driver Preparedness: A 2014 survey of Drivers Age 30+ 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background and Methodology

As drivers hit the road during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, it is imperative that they

prepare their vehicle and make plans to ensure their trip is as safe and smooth as possible. Drivers may

prepare for a trip by inspecting their car and ensuring it is up-to-date on its recommended services, telling

someone other than fellow travelers when they expect to arrive at their destination, and having the proper

items in their vehicle in case of an emergency.

By offering the nation’s largest driver refresher course designed for older drivers, AARP Driver Safety is

committed to helping drivers feel prepared and confident before getting behind the wheel. Hence, in order

to understand how drivers prepare and plan for car trips, AARP surveyed 1,202 licensed drivers age 30 and

older who drive at least once a week and take car trips.

Data was collected for this study via telephone interviews with a sample of 1,202 respondents age 30 and

older drawn at random from the United States. The interviews were conducted in English by Woelfel

Research, Inc. from October 1 to October 11, 2014. The results from the study were weighted by age and

gender. The margin of sampling error for a sample of 1,202 is ±2.8%.

Key Findings

In general, drivers age 30 and older (98%) feel prepared before taking a car trip of 50 miles or

more, with 84% feeling very prepared and 14% feeling somewhat prepared.

Likewise, drivers report ensuring their vehicle is prepared before taking a trip of 50 miles or

more. Specifically, roughly eight-in-ten report always ensuring their mirrors are adjusted properly

(89%), checking dashboard warning lights and addressing any related problems (84%) and ensuring

their vehicle is up to date on its recommended services (80%). A majority of drivers also report

always checking that their headlights are working (64%), checking the oil level in their car (57%),

checking their windshield wipers (53%), and checking their tire pressure (51%).

In general, the extent to which drivers engage in vehicle preparation increases with age. For

example, older drivers (age 50+) are particularly likely to always ensure their mirrors are adjusted

properly, ensure their vehicle is up-to-date on recommended services, check that their windshield

wipers are in good condition, and check their tire pressure.

Drivers also engage in a variety of planning behaviors, at least sometimes, before taking a trip of

50 miles or more. A majority of drivers report always telling someone when they expect to arrive at

their destination (62%), and planning to avoid rush hour traffic (54%). Over four-in-ten report

always packing food or planning where to eat (44%), while 38 percent report sometimes doing this.

Additionally, a third say they always plan where they will stop to rest (30%), while roughly four-in-

ten (38%) say they sometimes do this.

Drivers generally engage in the vehicle preparation measures more often than the planning

measures tested in the survey. For example, while 80% always make sure their vehicle is up-to-

date on services, only 26% always plan to avoid driving in dimly-lit conditions.


In general, the frequency in which drivers plan to avoid potentially challenging or risky driving

situations increases with age. For example, older drivers, particularly those age 65 and older, were

more likely than their younger counterparts to always make alternative plans for bad weather, plan

to avoid driving in dimly-lit conditions, choose a route that avoids confusing intersections, and choose

a route that avoids high speed roads.

Drivers understand the importance of having certain safety items in their car when taking trips.

For example, over nine-in-ten say that a spare tire (98%), a cell phone (96%), and cash (92%) are

important items to have in their car. Furthermore, drivers report typically having these items in

their car when taking a trip. For example, over nine-in-ten report typically having a spare tire

(99%), a cell phone (96%), and cash (92%) in their car. However, in some cases, there is a

discrepancy between the percentage of drivers who believe an item is important and the

percentage of drivers who typically have the item in their car. Most notably, seven-in-ten

respondents believe flares, warning triangles and reflectors are important, while only 37 percent

say they typically have them in their car.

Perhaps in part due to the preparation and planning behaviors drivers already engage in, most

drivers do not worry about potential challenges they may face, such as getting lost or their car

breaking down. A majority of drivers, however, do worry about adverse weather conditions.

Roughly half of drivers (54%) typically use a navigation system when taking a trip of 50 miles or

more. Although the use of navigation systems decreases with age, four-in-ten drivers age 65+

typically use the device when taking trips.

Two-thirds (67%) of adults belong to a roadside assistance program. This figure increases with

age, with eight-in-ten drivers age 65+ (77%) belonging to a program. Drivers also report having the

phone number of the roadside assistance program readily available when traveling in their car.

The overwhelming majority of drivers say that they know how to change a tire (80%) and jump-

start a car (81%).

Conclusion

Drivers age 30 and older feel prepared before taking a car trip and report taking measures to prepare

themselves and their vehicle. Older adults are particularly likely to engage in these vehicle preparation

measures. Drivers also plan for car trips, at least sometimes, by telling someone when they expect to arrive

at their destination, making eating and resting arrangements, and planning to avoid potentially challenging

driving situations. The extent to which drivers plan to avoid potentially challenging or risky driving

situations increases with age.

Furthermore, drivers age 30+ report having many safety items (e.g., spare tire, cell phone, etc.) in their

vehicles while traveling. As the travel season approaches, it is imperative that drivers continue to prepare

themselves and their vehicle, to make their trip as safe and smooth as possible.


DETAILED FINDINGS

Preparing the Car for Trips

In general, drivers age 30+ typically feel prepared (98%) before taking a car trip of 50 miles or more, with

84% feeling very prepared and 14% feeling somewhat prepared.

Furthermore, to understand how drivers specifically prepare for car trips, respondents were presented with

a series of statements reflecting different ways travelers may or may not prepare their car before taking a

trip. Figure 1 demonstrates that drivers age 30+ prepare their car in these ways.

Specifically, roughly eight-in-ten report always ensuring their mirrors are adjusted properly, checking

dashboard warning lights and addressing any related problems and ensuring their vehicle is up to date on

its recommended services. Less respondents, although still a majority, report always checking their

headlights, oil level, windshield wipers and tire pressure, while a notable portion (18% to 35%) report

sometimes preparing their car in these ways.

Figure 1. Preparing the Car for Trips

Base: 1202 respondents

6%

51%

53%

57%

64%

80%

84%

89%

25%

35%

30%

27%

18%

15%

10%

7%

68%

14%

17%

16%

18%

5%

5%

4%

0% 50% 100%

Review the owner's manual of the car

Check your tire pressure or have your tirepressure checked

Check that your windshield wipers are ingood condition

Check the oil level in your car or have the oillevel checked

Check that your headlights are working

Ensure the vehicle is up to date on itsrecommended services

Check for dashboard warning lights andaddress any related problems

Ensure your mirrors are adjusted properly

Always Sometimes Never


In general, as age increases, so does the extent to which drivers engage in vehicle preparation. For

example, older drivers are particularly likely to always ensure their mirrors are adjusted properly, ensure

their vehicle is up-to-date on recommended services, check that their windshield wipers are in good

condition, and check their tire pressure (see Table 1).

Table 1. Preparing the Car for Trips, By Age

Total Age 30-49 (A)

Age 50+ (B)

Age 50-64 (C)

Age 65+ (D)

Ensure your mirrors are adjusted properly

Always 89 84 92A 92A 93A

Sometimes 7 10BD 5 6 4

Never 4 6 3 3 3

Check for dashboard warning lights and address any related problems

Always 84 86 84 83 84

Sometimes 10 10 11 13D 9

Never 5 4 6 4 7

Ensure the vehicle is up to date on its recommended services

Always 80 75 84A 82 85A

Sometimes 15 19BD 12 14 11

Never 5 5 4 4 4

Check that your headlights are working

Always 64 60 67 64 70A


Never 18 22BCD 14 15 14

Check the oil level in your car or have the oil level checked

Always 57 52 61A 64A 59

Sometimes 27 30 25 23 26

Never 16 18 14 13 15

Check that your windshield wipers are in good condition

Always 53 44 60A 56A 64AC

Sometimes 30 36BD 26 30D 23

Never 17 20BCD 13 14 13

Check your tire pressure or have your tire pressure checked

Always 51 46 55A 54 56A

Sometimes 35 38 33 35 32

Never 14 17 12 12 12

Review the owner's manual of the car

Always 6 4 8A 5 11AC

Sometimes 25 17 32A 27A 35AC

Never 68 79BCD 60 68D 54

Upper case letters indicate significant difference at the 95% confidence level.



Planning for Car Trips

Respondents were also presented with a series of statements reflecting different ways drivers may plan for

a car trip. While the percentages are generally not as high as compared to the vehicle preparation

measures, Figure 2 shows that drivers report planning in these ways, at least sometimes, when taking a trip

of 50 miles or more.

For example, over half of drivers report always telling someone when they expect to arrive at their

destination and planning to avoid rush hour traffic. Around a third say they always make alternative plans

for bad weather, while roughly four-in-ten say they sometimes do this. Additionally, a quarter say they

always plan to avoid driving in dimly-lit conditions, with roughly one-third saying they do this sometimes.

Figure 2. Planning for Car Trips


11%

24%

26%

30%

33%

44%

54%

62%

28%

34%

35%

38%

41%

38%

37%

30%

61%

40%

39%

32%

26%

17%

8%

8%

0% 50% 100%

Choose a route the avoids high speedroads

Choose a route that avoids confusingintersections

Plan to avoid driving in dimly-litconditions

Plan where you will stop to rest

Make alternative plans for bad weather

Pack your own food or plan where youwill stop to eat

Plan to avoid rush hour traffic

Tell someone other than fellowtravelers your expected time of arrival

Always Sometimes Never


In general, as age increases, so does the frequency in which drivers plan to avoid potentially challenging or

risky driving situations. For example, older drivers, particularly those age 65 and older, are more likely than

their younger counterparts to always make alternative plans for bad weather, plan to avoid driving in

dimly-lit conditions, choose a route that avoids confusing intersections, and choose a route that avoids high

speed roads.

Table 2. Planning for Car Trips, by Age

Total Age 30-49 (A)

Age 50+ (B)

Age 50-64 (C)

Age 65+ (D)

Tell someone other than the people you are traveling with when you expect to arrive at your destination

Always 62 65C 60 57 62


Never 8 5 11A 10A 12A

Plan to avoid rush hour traffic

Always 54 51 56 55 58

Sometimes 37 39 36 38 34

Never 8 9 8 7 8

Pack your own food or plan where you will stop to eat

Always 44 46 43 45 41

Sometimes 38 40 37 38 36

Never 17 13 20A 17 23AC

Plan where you will stop to rest

Always 30 23 35A 32A 38AC

Sometimes 38 43D 35 40D 32

Never 32 34 30 29 30

Make alternative plans for bad weather

Always 33 24 40A 38A 42A

Sometimes 41 46BD 36 41D 33

Never 26 29C 23 21 25

Plan to avoid driving in dimly-lit conditions

Always 26 19 32A 26 36AC

Sometimes 35 38 32 31 32

Never 39 43BD 35 42D 30

Choose a route that avoids confusing intersections

Always 24 18 29A 24 32AC

Sometimes 34 38D 31 32 30

Never 40 41 39 42 36

Choose a route the avoids high speed roads

Always 11 9 12 10 14AC

Sometimes 28 25 30 27 32

Never 61 66BD 58 63D 54

Upper case letters indicate significant difference at the 95% confidence level.



Traveling to Unfamiliar Destinations

When traveling to unfamiliar destinations, roughly six-in-ten (59%) respondents say they spend more time

preparing for the trip as compared to when they are traveling to familiar destinations. Another four-in-ten

(39%) say they spend about the same amount of time preparing for the trip.

Figure 3. Traveling to Unfamiliar Destinations


Items to Have in the Car during Trips

Drivers understand the importance of having various items in their car when taking a trip (see Figure 4).

For example, over nine-in-ten say that a spare tire, a cell phone, a flashlight, cash, a cell phone charger and

water are very or somewhat important items to have in their car. Over eight-in-ten believe a navigation

system or map, jumper cables, a first-aid kit and a toolkit are important.

Not surprisingly, then, drivers report typically having these items in their car when taking a trip.

Specifically, over nine-in-ten report typically having a spare tire, cell phone, and cash in their car, while over

eight-in-ten report typically having a cell phone charger, a navigation system or map, water, and a

flashlight.

In some cases there is a discrepancy between the percentage of drivers who believe an item is important

and the percentage of drivers who typically have the item in their car. Most notably, seven-in-ten

respondents believe flares, warning triangles and reflectors are important, while only 37 percent typically

have them in their car. Additionally, drivers are more likely to say a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables

and a toolkit are important than they are to say they typically have these items in their car.

59% 39%

0%

50%

100%

More time preparing About the same amount oftime


Figure 4. Items to Have in the Car during Trips


When asked what they believe is the most important item to have in their car, a cell phone topped the list,

with nearly half of respondents citing this (47%). Although older drivers were less likely than younger

drivers to mention a cell phone as the most important item, it was still the most commonly cited item

across all age groups (30-49: 53%, 50-64: 47%, 65+: 40%). Respondents were most likely to cite a spare tire

(22%) as the second most important item.

72%

75%

84%

85%

86%

89%

91%

92%

92%

93%

96%

98%

0% 50% 100%

Flares, warning triangles orreflectors

Food

A toolkit

First-aid kit

Jumper cables

navigation system, GPS ormap

Water

Cell phone charger

Cash

flashlight

Cell phone

spare tire

% who believe each item isimportant to have in their car

% who typically have each item

in their car

99%

96%

81%

92%

87%

83%

84%

74%

60%

69%

71%

37%

-12 pts.

-12 pts.

-25 pts.

-15 pts.

-35 pts.


Stopping During Car Trips

When asked to report the top two reasons that they stop during car trips of 50 miles or more, drivers were

most likely to mention using the restroom (69%) or getting gas (57%). Drivers were least likely to cite

resting (16%), or stopping for directions (4%). Although relatively few drivers rank resting among their top

two reasons, the number of drivers who mention it as a top two reason increases with age (30-49: 13%, 50-

64: 17%, 65+: 19%).

Figure 5. Top Reasons to Stop During a Car Trip

Results total more than 100% as respondents were asked to mention their top two reasons for stopping.


Potential Concerns during Car Trips

Respondents were asked how much they worry about potential challenges they may encounter when

taking a trip. Drivers are most likely to say they worry about adverse weather conditions, with two-thirds

saying they worry a lot or some about this.

On the other hand, perhaps in part due to the preparation and planning behaviors drivers engage in, a

majority of drivers report worrying not very much or not at all about getting lost, their car breaking down,

arriving late, or their phone losing its charge. Even still, at least a third worry about each of these potential

challenges.

69% 57%

50%

16% 4%

0%

50%

100%

To use therestroom

To get gas To eat To rest To ask fordirections

% who say each reason is a 'top two' reason they stop during a trip


Figure 6. Percentage Who Worry About…


Using Navigation Systems

About half of drivers surveyed (54%) report that they typically use a navigation system or GPS when taking

a trip of 50 miles or more. Not surprisingly, those age 30-49 (63%) and 50-64 (56%) are significantly more

likely than those age 65+ (41%) to report using a navigation system.

Over eight-in-ten drivers (84%) who have a navigation system report being very (64%) or somewhat (20%)

comfortable in using the device. Although a majority of adults age 50+ report being comfortable using a

navigation system, comfort decreases with age.

8%

7%

15%

14%

24%

25%

30%

26%

27%

41%

0% 50% 100%

Getting lost during a car trip

Arriving at their destination late

Their cell phone losing its charge

Their car breaking down along theway

Adverse weather conditions

A lot Some Total

65%

41%

41%

37%

33%


Figure 7. Percentage of Respondents Who Typically Use a Navigation System

Figure 8. Percentage Who Feel Comfortable Using a Navigation System

Base: 1202 respondents Base: 1035 respondents

(Respondents with a navigation system)

Roughly three-in-ten drivers with a navigation system say that it is built into their vehicle.

Adjusting to Traffic Conditions

Respondents were asked how often they adjust their route when alerted to traffic conditions that would

affect their trip. A fifth of respondents (19%) say they always do this, while 56% say they sometimes do

this. Older adults are more likely than their younger counterparts to report always adjusting their route,

whereas younger adults are more likely to say they do this sometimes.

Figure 9. Percentage Who Adjust Their Route When Alerted to Traffic


54% 63%

56%

41%

0%

50%

100%

Total 30-49 50-64 65+

19% 13% 23% 25%

56% 61% 55% 51%

0%

50%

100%

Total 30-49 50-64 65+

Always Sometimes

84% 92%

86%

71%

0%

50%

100%

Total 30-49 50-64 65+


Belonging to Roadside Assistance Programs

Two-thirds (67%) of drivers belong to a roadside assistance program. Those age 65+ (77%) and 50-64 (71%)

are more likely than those age 30-49 (57%) to belong to one. The overwhelming majority of those who

belong to a roadside assistance program (95%) say they have the number of the program readily available

while they are traveling in their car.

Figure 10. Percentage Who Belong to a Roadside Assistance Program


Changing a Tire and Jump-Starting a Car

In order to gauge whether drivers could manage potential challenges on their own during trips,

respondents were asked whether they knew how to change a tire and jump-start a car. Eight-in-ten

respondents say they know how to do each activity.

Figure 11. Percentage Who Know How to…


67% 57% 71% 77%

0%

50%

100%

Total 30-49 50-64 65+

80% 81%

0%

50%

100%

Change a Tire Jump-Start a Car


Conclusion

Drivers age 30 and older feel prepared before taking a car trip and report taking measures to prepare

themselves and their vehicle. Older adults are particularly likely to engage in these vehicle preparation

measures. Drivers also plan for car trips, at least sometimes, by telling someone when they expect to arrive

at their destination, making eating and resting arrangements, and planning to avoid potentially challenging

driving situations. The extent to which drivers plan to avoid potentially challenging or risky driving

situations increases with age.

Furthermore, drivers age 30+ report having many safety items (e.g., spare tire, cell phone, etc.) in their

vehicles while traveling. As the travel season approaches, it is imperative that drivers continue to prepare

themselves and their vehicle, to make their trip as safe and smooth as possible.


National Driver Preparedness Annotated Questionnaire

October 2014

(Population: 1,200 National drivers Age 30 years or older) (Total N=1,202 sampling error = ±2.8%)

INTRODUCTION

Hello, this is ____________ calling from Woelfel Research, a national opinion research firm. We are not telemarketers and are not trying to sell you anything. We are conducting an important opinion study. Your opinions are important, and we would greatly appreciate your participation. Your responses will be kept entirely confidential.

QS1. For this survey, we are looking for the opinions of certain types of people. Could you tell me which of

the following categories your age falls into?

Base: Total Respondents Total %

N=1202 1. Age 30 – 49 44 2. Age 50 – 64 24 3. Age 65 – 74 20 4. Age 75+ 12

QS2. Are you licensed to drive?


N=1202 1. Yes 100 2. No - 3. Don’t know - 4. Refused -

QS3. In general, how often do you usually drive? Would you say that you usually drive…[READ LIST]?


N=1202 1. Every day 82 2. A few days a week 16 3. About once a week 2 4. A few days a month - 5. A few times a year - 6. Never - 7. Don’t know - 8. Refused -


READ: Now, I am going to ask you some questions about trips you may take in your vehicle, and how you (And or Your Spouse) might go about preparing for these car trips. For the purposes of this survey, we are referring to trips of 50 miles or more one-way. This does not include routine trips, such as commuting to and from work or school.

Q1. In general, how prepared do you typically feel before taking a car trip of 50 miles or more? Would you say you are…


N=1202 1. Very prepared 84 2. Somewhat prepared 14 3. Not very prepared 1 4. Not at all prepared 2 5. I don’t go on trips/haven’t gone on car trips in a long time - 6. Don’t know <0.5 7. Refused -

Q2. Now I am going to read you a list of things people may or may not do to prepare for a car trip. Please let me know whether or not you (and/or your spouse) typically do any of the following things before taking a car trip of 50 miles or more… Would you say yes, you always do this, yes, you sometimes do this, or no, you never do this? (ROTATE STATEMENTS)

[Note to interviewer: If respondent says, “it depends”, probe with “Does that mean you sometimes do this?” If they say ‘yes’ code as ‘yes, I sometimes do this’; if they say ‘no’ code as “it depends”]

a. Check your tire pressure or have your tire pressure checked Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes, I always do this 51 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 35 3. No, I never do this 14 4. Don’t know - 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused -

b. Review the owner’s manual of the car


N=1202 1. Yes, I always do this 6 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 25 3. No, I never do this 68 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused <0.5


c. Check that your windshield wipers are in good condition Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes, I always do this 53 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 30 3. No, I never do this 17 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused <0.5

d. Check that your headlights are working


N=1202 1. Yes, I always do this 64 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 18 3. No, I never do this 18 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. It depends - 6. Refused <0.5

e. Check the oil level in your car or have the oil level checked



f. Ensure your vehicle is up to date on its recommended services


N=1202 1. Yes, I always do this 80 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 15 3. No, I never do this 5 4. Don’t know - 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused -


g. Check for dashboard warning lights and address any related problems Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes, I always do this 84 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 10 3. No, I never do this 5 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused -

h. Ensure your mirrors are adjusted properly


N=1202 1. Yes, I always do this 89 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 7 3. No, I never do this 4 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. It depends - 6. Refused -

Q3. The following are a list of things people may or may not do when planning a car trip. In general, please let me know whether or not you (and/or your spouse) do any of the following things to plan for a car trip of 50 miles or more… Would you say yes, you always do this, yes, you sometimes do this, or no, you never do this? (ROTATE STATEMENTS)

[Note to interviewer: If respondent says, “it depends”, probe with “Does that mean you sometimes do this?” If they say ‘yes’ code as ‘yes, I sometimes do this’; if they say ‘no’ code as “it depends”]

a. Plan to avoid rush hour traffic Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes, I always do this 54 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 37 3. No, I never do this 8 4. Don’t know - 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused <0.5


b. Make alternative plans for bad weather Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes, I always do this 33 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 41 3. No, I never do this 26 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused -

c. Plan to avoid driving in dimly-lit conditions


N=1202 1. Yes, I always do this 26 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 35 3. No, I never do this 39 4. Don’t know 1 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused <0.5

d. Choose a route that avoids high speed roads



e. Choose a route that avoids confusing intersections


N=1202 1. Yes, I always do this 24 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 34 3. No, I never do this 40 4. Don’t know 1 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused <0.5


f. Plan where you will stop to rest Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes, I always do this 30 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 38 3. No, I never do this 32 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. It depends - 6. Refused -

g. Pack your own food or plan where you will stop to eat


N=1202 1. Yes, I always do this 44 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 38 3. No, I never do this 17 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused -

h. Tell someone other than the people you are traveling with when you expect to arrive at your

destination Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes, I always do this 62 2. Yes, I sometimes do this 30 3. No, I never do this 8 4. Don’t know - 5. It depends <0.5 6. Refused -

Q4. When traveling to unfamiliar destinations, would you say you typically spend more time preparing for the car trip, less time, or about the same amount of time compared to when you are traveling to familiar destinations?


N=1202 1. More time preparing for the car trip 59 2. Less time preparing for the car trip 2 3. About the same amount of time preparing for

the car trip 39

4. Don’t know 1 5. Refused <0.5


Q5. The following are a list of reasons people may stop during a car trip. Please tell me the top two reasons you would typically stop during a car trip of 50 miles or more? (ROTATE STATEMENTS; record both answers in order; if respondent only gives one reason, note only one reason was given)

Base: Total Respondents (Total Reasons)

Total %

N=1202 1. To eat 50 2. To rest 16 3. To get gas 57 4. To use the restroom 69 5. To ask for directions 4 6. None of the above reasons 1 7. Don’t know <0.5 8. Refused <0.5

Base: Total Respondents

(First Reason Mentioned)

Total %

N=1202 1. To eat 22 2. To rest 8 3. To get gas 32 4. To use the restroom 36 5. To ask for directions 1 6. None of the above reasons 1 7. Don’t know <0.5 8. Refused <0.5

Base: Total Respondents

(Second Reason Mentioned)

Total %

N=1202 1. To eat 29 2. To rest 8 3. To get gas 25 4. To use the restroom 33 5. To ask for directions 3 6. No second reason given 3


Q6. Now I am going to read a list of things people may or may not have in their car when taking a trip of 50 miles or more. Please tell me whether or not you typically have the following items in your car during trips (ROTATE STATEMENTS; KEEP 8 and 9 together)

1. A spare tire Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes 99 2. No 1 3. Don’t know <0.5 4. Refused -

2. A flashlight Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes 81 2. No 19 3. Don’t know 1 4. Refused -

3. navigation system, GPS, or map Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


4. Food Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


5. Cash Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes 92 2. No 8 3. Don’t know <0.5 4. Refused <0.5


6. A first-aid kit Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


7. Jumper cables Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes 74 2. No 25 3. Don’t know 1 4. Refused <0.5

8. A Cell phone Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes 96 2. No 4 3. Don’t know - 4. Refused -

9. A Cell phone charger Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


10. Water Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202



11. A toolkit with tools such as a screwdriver and pliers Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


12. Flares, warning triangles or reflectors Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


Q7. Please tell me how important you think it is to have each of the following items in your car when taking a trip of 50 miles or more. (ROTATE ITEMS; KEEP 8 AND 9 TOGETHER)

1. A spare tire Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Very important 94 2. Somewhat important 4 3. Not very important 1 4. Not at all important <0.5 5. Don’t know <0.5 6. Refused <0.5

2. A flashlight Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Very important 68 2. Somewhat important 25 3. Not very important 5 4. Not at all important 2 5. Don’t know <0.5 6. Refused <0.5


3. navigation system, GPS, or map Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


4. Food Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


5. Cash Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


6. A first-aid kit Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202



7. Jumper cables Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


8. A Cell phone Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


9. A Cell phone charger Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202


10. Water Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Very important 65 2. Somewhat important 26 3. Not very important 7 4. Not at all important 2 5. Don’t know <0.5 6. Refused -


11. A toolkit with tools such as a screwdriver and pliers Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Very important 51 2. Somewhat important 33 3. Not very important 12 4. Not at all important 5 5. Don’t know <0.5

12. Flares, warning triangles or reflectors Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Very important 35 2. Somewhat important 37 3. Not very important 19 4. Not at all important 9 5. Don’t know 1

Q7A. Which of the following items do you think is the MOST important to have in your car when taking a trip of 50 miles or more (READ TOP RATED ITEMS ONLY in Q7 only AND ALLOW ONE RESPONSE)


N=1202 1. A spare tire 26 2. A flashlight 1 3. navigation system, GPS, or map 7 4. Food 1 5. Cash 7 6. A first-aid kit 1 7. Jumper cables 2 8. A Cell phone 47 9. A Cell phone charger <0.5 10. Water 5 11. A toolkit with tools such as a screwdriver and pliers 2 12. Flares, warning triangles or reflectors <0.5 13. Don’t know 1 14. Refused <0.5


Q7B. And after (insert answer from Q7A), which of the following items do you think is the second most important item to have in your car when taking a trip of 50 miles or more (SAME INSTRUCTIONS AS ABOVE & ELIMINATE RESPONDENT CHOICE IN 7A).


N=1202 1. A spare tire 22 2. A flashlight 5 3. navigation system, GPS, or map 10 4. Food 2 5. Cash 11 6. A first-aid kit 2 7. Jumper cables 3 8. A Cell phone 15 9. A Cell phone charger 10 10. Water 9 11. A toolkit with tools such as a screwdriver and pliers 6 12. Flares, warning triangles or reflectors 3 13. Don’t know 1 14. Refused <0.5

7C. And after (insert answer from Q7B), which of the following items do you think is the third most important item to have in your car when taking a trip of 50 miles or more (SAME INSTRUCTIONS AS ABOVE & ELIMINATE RESPONDENT CHOICE IN 7A and 7B).


N=1202 1. A spare tire 16 2. A flashlight 8 3. navigation system, GPS, or map 8 4. Food 5 5. Cash 11 6. A first-aid kit 4 7. Jumper cables 6 8. A Cell phone 9 9. A Cell phone charger 8 10. Water 11 11. A toolkit with tools such as a screwdriver and pliers 5 12. Flares, warning triangles or reflectors 2 13. Don’t know 3 14. Refused 1


Q8. How often do you adjust your route when alerted to traffic conditions that would affect your trip?


N=1202 1. Always 19 2. Sometimes 56 3. Rarely 16 4. Never 7 5. Don’t know 1 6. Refused -

Q9. When taking a car trip of 50 miles or more, do you typically use a navigation system, or GPS? Would you say yes, you typically use one, no, you typically do not use one, or do you not have a navigation system or GPS?


N=1202 1. Yes 54 2. No 32 3. I do not have a navigation system or GPS 13 4. Don’t know 1 5. Refused <0.5

Q10. How comfortable are you in using a navigation system, or GPS?

Base: Have a navigation system Total %

N=1035 1. Very comfortable 64 2. Somewhat comfortable 20 3. Not very comfortable 7 4. Not at all comfortable 7 5. Don’t know 2 6. Refused <0.5

Q11. Is your navigation system built into your vehicle?

Base: Have a navigation system Total %

N=1035 1. Yes 30 2. No 69 3. Don’t know <0.5 4. Refused -


Q12. Now I am going to read you a list of things some people may or may not worry about before taking a car trip. Please tell me how much, if at all, you worry about the following things (ROTATE).

a. Getting lost during a car trip Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. A lot 8 2. Some 25 3. Not very much 31 4. Not at all 37 5. Don’t know <0.5 6. Refused <0.5 7. Do not have a cell phone -

b. Your car breaking down on the way


N=1202 1. A lot 14 2. Some 27 3. Not very much 34 4. Not at all 24 5. Don’t know <0.5 6. Refused <0.5 7. Do not have a cell phone -

c. Arriving at your destination late




d. Your cell phone losing its charge Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. A lot 15 2. Some 26 3. Not very much 26 4. Not at all 32 5. Don’t know <0.5 6. Refused <0.5 7. Do not have a cell phone 1

e. Adverse weather conditions



Q13. Please let me know whether or not you know how to do the following things. Do you know how to…? (ROTATE STATEMENTS)

a. Change a tire Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Yes, I know how to do it 80 2. No, I don’t know how to do it 18 3. I don’t know how, but my spouse does 2 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. Refused <0.5

b. Jump-start a car


N=1202 1. Yes, I know how to do it 81 2. No, I don’t know how to do it 16 3. I don’t know how, but my spouse does 3 4. Don’t know <0.5 5. Refused <0.5


Q14. Do you belong to a roadside assistance program?


N=1202 1. Yes 67 2. No 32 3. Don’t know 1 4. Refused -

Q15. Do you have the number of the roadside assistance program readily available while you are traveling in your car?

Base: Belong to roadside assistance program Total %

N=803 1. Yes 95 2. No 5 3. Don’t know <0.5 4. Refused <0.5

Q16. Approximately how many miles one-way was the most recent car trip you took of 50 miles or more? Was it…

[Note to interviewer: if respondent provides hours that fall into 2 categories, e.g.; 4 hours; ask them which mileage category it falls into]


N=1202 1. 50 miles to less than 100 miles, which is

typically around one to two hours 30

2. 100 miles to less than 200 miles, which is typically around two to four hours

28

3. 200 miles to less than 300 miles, which is typically around four to five hours

13

4. 300 miles or more, which is typically around 5 or more hours

28

5. Don’t know 1 6. Refused -


Demographic questions The following questions are for statistical purposes only. QD1. Record gender (DO NOT ASK)


N=1202 1. Male 48 2. Female 52

QD2. What is your age as of your last birthday? [RECORD EXACT AGE]


N=1202 1. Age 30 – 49 42 2. Age 50 – 64 23 3. Age 65 – 74 19 4. Age 75+ 12 5. Refused 4

QD3. What is your current marital status? Are you?


N=1202 1. Married 69 2. Single but living with a partner 3 3. Single, never married 8 4. Separated 1 5. Divorced 9 6. Widowed 8 7. Don’t know <0.5 8. Refused 1


QD4. (IF MARRIED OR HAS PARTNER:) In your household, who is primarily responsible for preparing for car trips?

Base: Married or Have Partner Total %

N=868 1. You 38 2. Your spouse/partner 14 3. Both you and your spouse/partner are equally responsible 48 4. Someone else <0.5 5. Don’t know <0.5 6. Refused <0.5

QD5. How long have you been licensed to drive? Have you been licensed to drive for…


N=1202 1. Less than 10 years 1 2. 10 years to less than 20 years 11 3. 20 years to less than 30 years 19 4. 30 years to less than 40 years 24 5. 40 years to less than 50 years 19 6. 50 or more years 26 7. Don’t know <0.5 8. Refused 1

QD6. Have you ever taken a driver safety course other than when you first obtained your license, such as a defensive driving, point reduction, driving refresher, or driver improvement course?


N=1202 1. Yes 38 2. No 61 3. Don’t know <0.5 4. Refused <0.5

QD7. Within the last 3 years, have you taken a driver safety course other than when you first obtained your license, such as a defensive driving, point reduction, driving refresher, or driver improvement course?

Base: Taken a driver safety course Total %

N=461 1. Yes 29 2. No 70 3. Don’t know 1 4. Refused -


QD8. In general, how would you rate your overall health?


N=1202 1. Excellent 28 2. Very good 41 3. Good 22 4. Fair 6 5. Poor 2 6. Don’t know <0.5 7. Refused 1

QD9. Which of the following ethnic groups describes you? You can stop me when I’ve read your group. READ LIST IN ORDER


N=1202 1. White or Caucasian 83 2. Black or African-American 8 3. Latino, HispanicSkip to QD11 2 4. Asian or Pacific Islander 1 5. Native American 1 6. Mixed race 2 7. Other 1 8. Don’t know <0.5 9. Refused 2

QD10. Do you consider yourself to be of Hispanic descent? (If not Latino, Hispanic in D9).

Base: Not Latino, Hispanic Total %

N=1177 1. Yes 1 2. No 96 3. Don’t know 1 4. Refused 2


QD11. Do you live in an urban, suburban or rural area?


N=1202 1. Urban 16 2. Suburban 43 3. Rural 39 4. Don’t know 1 5. Refused 1

QD12. Record region (DO NOT ASK)

Base: Total Respondents Total

% N=1202

1. Northeast 20 2. Midwest 29 3. South 37 4. West 14

driver preparedness: a 2014 survey of drivers age 30+ · driver preparedness: a 2014 survey of...

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