UK DRIVERS WASTE £10 MILLION RETRIEVING FORGOTTEN ITEMS
New research into driver behaviour has identified just how far daytrippers are prepared to go in order to fetch an item left behind when travelling in the UK this summer.
The findings from Halfords Autocentres highlight a shocking amount of waste, with over six million drivers being prepared to travel over ten miles - equivalent to in 1.7 million gallons of wasted fuel worth approximately £10.6 million*.
However, more than one in ten drivers (13%) admitted to being willing to travel over 15 miles to retrieve something they had forgotten, which means the true figure could be significantly higher.
Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres said: “The rising cost of fuel and fact that cars are less efficient at the beginning of a journey before the engine has reached operating temperature means that the nation’s forgetfulness is hitting them hard in the pocket.
“Interestingly some regions were more likely to travel further than others. Drivers from Scotland for example – normally renowned for their thrift – top the table, whilst motorists from Wales and Northern Ireland are far less likely to waste time and money fetching something they have forgotten.”
More than a third of men (31.4%) are willing to travel over 10 miles for a forgotten item, compared with less than a quarter (21.6%) of women.
This may be explained by the fact that more than 8 out of 10 (84%) women said that they take the lead when packing bags, making it less likely they will forget something. Whilst men are largely responsible for packing the car (86%), which may lead them to assume someone else has packed a particular item.
Leading psychologist Dr Geoff Rolls commented: “Clearly the importance of the forgotten item will play a factor – most people would not return any great distance for a forgotten sweater but a wallet or the key to a roof box is likely to cause a costly delay that could spoil the day.
“That said, with saving money and conserving fuel high on motorists list of priorities it is surprising how little importance people attach to waste.”
To download a copy of the full Summer Daytripper Study 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.
*30 million motorists in UK, 82% of which (24.6m) are planning day trips, 25% of those (6.1m) are willing to travel 10miles or more equalling 61m wasted miles and 1,742,857m gallons of wasted fuel (assuming average of 35mpg and fuel priced at £1.35 per litre/£6.13 per gallon).
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.
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.