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The words ‘are we nearly there yet?’ have sent chills down the spine of many parents undertaking a day trip or long car journey over the years, however new research shows that the question may soon be consigned to the history books.
A study by Halfords Autocentres into the things drivers most fear has found that boredom among passengers en route is of little concern – with 93% of motorists more afraid of factors including traffic congestion, poor weather and breaking down.
This is largely explained by the ubiquity of mobile technology. Well over half (54%) of drivers questioned said that their passengers now beat boredom and answer the question of how long a journey will last for themselves using a variety of connected devices.
Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres said: “Technology including smartphones, tablet computers and DVD players are not only beating boredom on the move but mean that both parents and children actively look forward to long car journeys far more than they used to.
“Parents benefit from an undisturbed journey whilst children have unchallenged access to their gadgets, whose use may usually be rationed to ensure homework, practicing an instrument or some other household chore is not forgotten.
More than three quarters (77%) of 18-24 year olds use devices such as these whilst on day trips, followed closely by gadget-loving 35-44 years olds – 74% of which exploit technology to stave off boredom.
Older age groups use it the least, perhaps taking greater pleasure in conversation and remembering the adage that life is a journey not a destination - with 63% of 55-65 year olds and 81% of over 65s eschewing technology on the move.
Leading psychologist Dr Geoff Rolls, author of ‘Women Can't Park, Men Can't Pack’ advises: “Use technology by all means but use it wisely to enrich the journey by downloading new music, a book you’ve been dying to read or to learn more about your intended port of call.
“Above all, make sure that it is not causing a distraction to the driver that could divert their attention from the road and increase the likelihood of an accident.”
To download a full copy of the research findings visit the Halfords Autocentres advice centre at:
ENDS
Media contacts:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager
T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930
E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Notes to editors
*Survey data taken from a YourSayPays poll for Halfords answered by 2,004 respondents between 24th – 30th June 2013.
About Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent MOT, car service, repair and tyre garage network. We employ highly trained ATA accredited technicians and use the latest in vehicle diagnostic equipment in over 290 sites - which is expanding monthly - to deliver dealership quality work at affordable prices.
Being independent expert’s means that we are able to service, repair and maintain any make or model of car in line with the manufacturer’s standards, whilst offering a local price match promise and peace of mind in the form of a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out. (See website for terms and conditions)
The Halfords Autocentres name may be a recent addition to the Halfords Group, but our heritage spans more than three decades and we serve over 750,000 customers every year - with over 8 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
Dr Geoff Rolls Biography
Dr Geoff Rolls gained his B.Sc and Ph.D from the University of Southampton, where for nine years the investigated Psychological Aspects of Car Driver Behaviour.
Geoff is a published author of titles including ‘Women Can't Park, Men Can't Pack’ (Chambers 2009), which investigates gender stereotypes (including driving) and is currently Head of Psychology at Peter Symonds College, Winchester.
He is has also written Classic Case Studies in Psychology (Hodder Arnold) which is now in its 3rd edition and has been translated into many languages including Korean. Geoff has also co-authored many other well-received psychology textbooks with bestselling fellow author Richard Gross.
Media contacts
Hettie Zammit or Stuart Humphreys
Tel: 01527 513315
Email: hettie.zammit@halfords.co.uk or stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Notes to editors
*Survey data taken from a YourSayPays poll for Halfords answered by 2,004 respondents between 24th – 30th June 2013.
About Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent MOT, car service, repair and tyre garage network. We employ highly trained ATA accredited technicians and use the latest in vehicle diagnostic equipment in over 290 sites - which is expanding monthly - to deliver dealership quality work at affordable prices.
Being independent expert’s means that we are able to service, repair and maintain any make or model of car in line with the manufacturer’s standards, whilst offering a local price match promise and peace of mind in the form of a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out. (See website for terms and conditions)
The Halfords Autocentres name may be a recent addition to the Halfords Group, but our heritage spans more than three decades and we serve over 750,000 customers every year - with over 8 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
Dr Geoff Rolls Biography
Dr Geoff Rolls gained his B.Sc and Ph.D from the University of Southampton, where for nine years the investigated Psychological Aspects of Car Driver Behaviour.
Geoff is a published author of titles including ‘Women Can't Park, Men Can't Pack’ (Chambers 2009), which investigates gender stereotypes (including driving) and is currently Head of Psychology at Peter Symonds College, Winchester.
He is has also written Classic Case Studies in Psychology (Hodder Arnold) which is now in its 3rd edition and has been translated into many languages including Korean. Geoff has also co-authored many other well-received psychology textbooks with bestselling fellow author Richard Gross.