Photo credit: DrivingtheNortheast
Do you enjoy driving? If it has become a chore, or you no longer derive pleasure from getting behind the wheel, you’re not alone. A new survey has found that a third of all motorists simply don’t enjoy driving anymore, with factors including less leisure time and the increasing cost of driving to blame.
One way that you may be able to re-engage with your love of driving is to buy a more fuel efficient car. Over half of motorists who no longer enjoy driving blame the cost of fuel, and so driving a more economical car through a low cost car leasing or contract hire scheme could help you get back your love of the road.
Keep reading to find out more about why Brits have fallen out of love with driving.
Fuel economy remains a major issue for car leasing and contract hire customers
The survey from the road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), found that one in three drivers simply don’t enjoy getting behind the wheel. The main reason given for not enjoying driving on the roads was the cost of fuel (51 per cent) closely followed by congestion (41 per cent), no longer excited by driving (28 per cent) and less leisure time (25.9 per cent).
Fuel economy appears to be a major issue with modern drivers. Surveys in 2013 have found that fuel efficiency is one of the most important factors that drivers take into account when buying a car under a car lease, contract hire or hire purchase agreement. Now, over half of drivers say the increasing cost of fuel is making driving a chore.
While a third of drivers no longer enjoy their car, the survey also found that almost two in five drivers (39 per cent) still consider driving and riding for fun as their hobby. One third of respondents still take their car out for a spin.
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “With congestion and fuel prices it’s easy to understand why many people think driving is a chore. But the UK still has some of the most beautiful roads in the world, and if you have the right skills and confidence in your ability, driving can be as enjoyable as ever.”
Other drivers make motorists the most nervous when on the road
With a huge range of economical car models available on cheap car leasing and contract deals new car sales in the UK are strong. And, while many motorists may not enjoy driving any more, there is no shortage of confidence in their ability.
The IAM poll found that over half of the drivers questioned (53 per cent) think they are good drivers when compared to other road users, while just over 45 per cent responded that they are ‘very good’.
The survey also found that it seems that drivers believe that other road users are the problem. Over sixty per cent of respondents stated that it was the behaviour of other drivers on the road that makes them feel the most nervous. This was followed by bad weather conditions, and driving near to lorries.
Half of all respondents also said that they did not always feel relaxed when their partner was in the passenger seat.
- Do you still enjoy driving your car? What are the factors that add to, or take away from your enjoyment? Leave a comment and let us know…