Weekend Getaways Stressful, Survey Says; Travelers Worry Over Gas Prices, Traffic, Other Drivers

• As summer travel season kicks off, gas prices, traffic jams and other drivers rank as the top three most stressful aspects of a weekend trip – according to a Harris Interactive survey commissioned by Ford

• One third of U.S. adults surveyed worry most about the cost of gas, 23 percent say traffic is the most stressful part of getting away for the weekend, and 17 percent find other drivers on the road the most anxiety-inducing factor

• All-new Ford Escape, now in dealerships, can provide some relief: Fuel-efficient technology can lower your burden at the pump, technologies like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^® can help you keep tabs on other drivers, and the vehicle’s hands-free power liftgate provides an easier way to pack

 

DEARBORN, Mich., May 25, 2012 – Getting away from familiar surroundings for the weekend should be a great way to relax and forget about the pressures of everyday life, but a new survey finds even a weekend getaway has its hassles.

 

An online Harris Interactive survey commissioned by Ford in May found nearly one third of U.S. adults say the cost of gas is the most stressful part of a weekend trip. Other stress factors include dealing with traffic and other drivers on the roads.

 

Nearly one quarter of those surveyed cite traffic as the most stressful part of getting away, while almost 20 percent say it’s other drivers creating the most stress en route to their destination of choice. Eleven percent find packing and unpacking for a trip induces the most stress.

 

The all-new Ford Escape may be able to help. With three engine options certified at 30 mpg or better on the highway, stress over high gas prices can be eased. If you’re worried about other drivers on the road, Escape’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) technology will help you keep an eye on them. Using hands-free Ford SYNC^® technology with navigation can help you find the best travel routes while avoiding road construction and traffic tie-ups. And Escape’s hands-free power liftgate should go a long way toward making it easier on those who hate loading and unloading all the gear needed for the long weekend getaway.

 

“The Escape was designed with the road trip in mind – providing top-of-its-class fuel economy, smart features such as SYNC with navigation and plenty of cargo space,” said Jason Sprawka, Ford Marketing manager for the all-new Escape.

 

It’s good to get away

Over this upcoming long weekend, an estimated 30 million motorists will journey an average of 642 miles – 150 miles less than last year’s average travel distance of 792 miles, according to a AAA survey of travelers’ intentions. With the fuel efficiency of the all-new Ford Escape, drivers would only need to fill up once on a 600-mile trip.

 

The Harris survey reveals that on average, drivers are willing to travel four hours to a weekend destination, with the younger crowd – those 18 to 34 – willing to drive five hours to get away for a few days.

 

“There is so much to see and do in every pocket of America,” says Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for Lonely Planet. “Eighty-three percent of our travel community told us they had taken, on average, more than three road trips over the past couple of years. Summertime is the perfect season to gear up for these long weekend trips and explore your own backyard.”  

 

Weekend travel is more popular than ever, with half of all U.S. adults – nearly 103 million – taking at least one weekend trip per year. According to a 2009 Travel Industry Association report, almost 30 percent of Americans took five or more weekend trips the previous year.

 

Americans’ ideal weekend escape?

For a quick getaway, a full 26 percent of those surveyed by Harris chose the beach or the lake as the ideal destination. For 23 percent, the ideal weekend is just staying home. Only 8 percent of those surveyed would choose to visit out-of-town relatives, the same number that would opt for camping.

 

All-new Ford Escape – the right vehicle for any activity

Whether loading up bikes and kayaks or hauling home lumber or flowers from weekend errands, the new Escape offers more cargo space than the previous model and a number of storage bins and unique storage features. With a roomy second row and standard cargo tie-downs, this Escape is ready to handle loads large or small.

 

Escape’s hands-free power liftgate brings new technology to the SUV market and makes it easier to stow gear. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob in his or her possession. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig around for the keys.

 

BLIS and navigation

The all-new Escape features Ford BLIS. Radar sensors behind each rear wheel (that are hidden by the rear of the vehicle) alert the driver if another vehicle enters the “blind zone,” which extends from the rearview mirrors to approximately 10 feet behind the rear bumper. The system does not activate if another vehicle is passing unless that vehicle remains in the zone longer than three seconds.

 

BLIS is coupled with cross-traffic alert, which warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking spot.  

 

SYNC connectivity coupled with MyFord Touch^® screens come standard in the all-new Ford Escape, with navigation technology to give turn-by-turn directions to avoid unintended detours. By connecting a cell phone to SYNC, drivers can call ahead to make restaurant reservations or book rooms without taking their hands from the wheel.