On The Road Again... And Again... And Again

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

The older kids need to be at school by 7:45 a.m. and the younger one has playgroup at 9:30 a.m. In addition, the dry cleaning needs to be picked up, the grocery shopping needs to be done, and the van needs gas. When that's done, Jr. has an afternoon doctor's appointment and the other kids have to be dropped off at soccer practice. Does this sound like a typical day in your life?

If it does you aren't alone. In a previous blog I expressed shock over the results of a recent SC Johnson survey, which revealed that a whopping 90% of parents said they spend up to 20 hours per week in their car with their children (an average of two kids in the car on a typical day) under 18 years of age. That blog also addressed what young passengers were doing while being shuttled around in the family taxi.

This blog asks and answers the question: "Where are we going?" Looking at the survey results, American families spend more time on the road per week than we do at church or shopping. So where exactly are we headed? When asked about their travel destinations, the SC Johnson survey revealed that most families are headed to a variety of places from the mall to day care to restaurants.

Here's how the results broke down:

92% of families are driving to doctor and dentist appointments

89% reported driving to restaurants (including fast food)

88% reported going shopping

84% reported using the family vehicle to drive to vacation destinations

78% of families say they use their vehicles to attend entertainment (movies) or school events

71% of respondents say they are driving to school

24% of drivers say they are headed to day care

There were two other survey results I found very interesting (perhaps because they hit close to home):

21% of parents reported problems with car sickness

49% of parents report that muddy boots and wet clothes, food wrappers, and scattered crayons and toys make up the bulk of the mess in their vehicles.

Can you relate?

Related Articles:

Making Car Rides Work For Your Family

Keeping Track Of Your Teen Drivers

On The Road With Children--"Sanity-Savers"

Travel Tip--Avoiding The Fast Food Trap

Dining Behind The Wheel

"Leave Your Car at Home Day"

Survive the Drive: How to Get Your Kids to Behave in the Car

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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