THE average number of miles Brits drive home for Christmas has been revealed – as well as the nation’s favourite festive songs for the journey.
A poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate the holiday season found 35 per cent will be commuting for the festivities – half of which will have their pet in the passenger seat.
Three quarters look forward to the drive home for Christmas and 69 per cent believe it’s a key part of their annual traditions.
Ironically, Chris Rea’s ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ hit came second in the most listened to songs for a journey – beaten only by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s classic, ‘Fairytale of New York’.
Other popular songs were Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ and ‘All I Want for Christmas’ by Mariah Carey.
Almost half (48 per cent) are likely to listen to festive tunes over pop (42 per cent) or rock (30 per cent) when in the car at this time of the year – although Metallica’s Enter Sandman even appeared in the top 10.
Marc Pell, managing director at temporary motor insurance company Tempcover, which commissioned the research, said: “The drive home is a key part of annual festivities.
“There’s a real joy in driving home for Christmas: reconnecting with others, singing along to festive tunes, and cramming the car full of gifts.
“It’s these types of memorable car journeys that make the season extra special.
“From commuting to see loved ones or chaperoning family to ensure they get from A to B, we rely on cars to keep us moving – whether we’re behind the wheel or going along for the ride.”
The research also found that over the festive period, people will cover an average of 193 miles, spending seven hours and 47 minutes in the car, with two stop-offs for a refuel.
And it seems nothing says ‘holiday cheer’ more than family drama – as 18 per cent often have squabbles on their drive home.
But 60 per cent prefer to take their motor rather than getting public transport, because it tends to be quicker (70 per cent), more direct (68 per cent) and they can listen to their own music (57 per cent).
Almost half (47 per cent) like the fact they can fit more presents in their car and 30 per cent enjoy singing out loud.
While 28 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, plan to car share to save money.
Men tend to be the primary driver, according to 64 per cent of them, compared to 33 per cent of women.
Similarly, 74 per cent of males prefer driving, in comparison to 59 per cent of females.
Marc Pell, of Tempcover, added: “It’s positive to see so many people planning to car share on their drive home this Christmas – turning long journeys into shared moments of connection.
“For those hitting the road, whether in your own car or borrowing a mate’s, temporary car insurance is a way to share the driving and lighten the load, so one can take the wheel whilst the other helps to navigate the holiday playlist.”
