A new online poll of 1,647 licensed drivers conducted by INNOVATIVE on behalf of 407 ETR from June 15th to 21st, 2021, shows that Generation Z drivers in Ontario are ready for a road trip this summer. However, about half of Gen Z respondents are feeling less confident on the road now than they were pre-pandemic.
Key Findings
Road Trips are Top Choice
Taking a road trip is the top choice when it comes to summer travel this year. 2-in-3 (66%) report considering a road trip compared to 49% in an average year. Desire to travel by vehicle makes sense given the decline in air travel and pandemic border restrictions.
Younger Generations are Hitting the Road Harder Than Older Cohorts
In the past, Gen Z have been less likely than Millennials (25 to 40) or Gen X (41 to 56) to take a road trip. However, now Gen Z are the most likely to plan a road trip for this summer. Baby Boomers (57 to 75) are actually the least likely generational cohort to have a habit of taking road trips.
Driving with Confidence
Driving less during the pandemic has had an adverse impact on Gen Z’s driving confidence. Whereas older Ontarians report little difference in their driving confidence, nearly half (47%) of Gen Z respondents say they feel less confident behind the wheel than prior to COVID.
Safety Measures
Although drivers might be eager to hit the road, they don’t appear to be adequately prepared in terms of road safety. Only 1-in-10 have all three safety measures asked about in the survey (roadside assistance plan, emergency kit, and high-visibility clothing). Perhaps predictably, there is a wide generation gap when it comes to roadside preparedness. 8-in-10 Baby Boomers report having a roadside assistance plan, compared to only 6-in-10 Gen Z respondents.
