Fast-Moving Culture Finds Leisure Time on Highways this Summer

COLUMBUS, Ohio--A new survey released today by Nationwide Mutual Insurance demonstrates that our vacations have become reflective of our fast-paced, in-transit culture. With greater demands and hectic schedules, Americans are seeking to maximize their summer leisure time and powersports offer the solution. Whether by RV, motorcycle, boat or travel trailer, powersporting allows time spent traveling to a vacation destination to be transformed into time spent actually on vacation.

“Powersports combine adventure with a bonding experience as more than two-thirds of enthusiasts say their vehicles allow them to spend quality time with their family,” said Bill Windsor, associate vice president of safety at Nationwide. “But even when trying to get away from it all, more than half of powersporters admit they are willing to conduct business on their cell phones and BlackBerry while on vacation.

“While powersporting turns transit time into part of the vacation experience, it’s important to be aware of those around you and to not allow distractions to get in the way of safe driving,” said Windsor.

According to the Travel Industry Association, a non-profit trade association, U.S. domestic travel has been increasing steadily over the last several years. This year alone, Americans are forecasted to take more than two trillion trips within the U.S. Not only do powersports complement this trend of increased domestic travel, but powersporting enthusiasts won’t be deterred by high gas prices when planning their getaways.

Enthusiasts state that fuel prices would have to nearly double before they would change their lifestyles and, when asked how much per gallon they would pay before selling or abandoning their vehicle, they cited average prices of between $4.14 and $6.27 per gallon.

“As the weather gets warmer and more powersporters take to the roads and rivers, it’s important to remember that, even though it’s time off from the daily routine, it’s not time to check out when it comes to being safe,” said Windsor. “Be prepared for your vacation by making sure your vehicle is properly maintained, inspecting all safety equipment and taking a safety course.”

Key findings include:

Powersporting offers a range of experiences, from spending time with family to chasing adventure.

• With the exception of motorcyclists, well over 70 percent of powersports enthusiasts polled said their vehicles allow them to spend quality time with their family.

          -- 83 percent of both power boaters and travel trailer
             owners, 77 percent of RV owners, and 73 percent of bass
             boaters said that their vehicle allows them to spend
             quality time with their family.

• 66 percent of power boaters, 59 percent of bass boaters, 50 percent of RV owners, 48 percent of travel trailer owners and 43 percent of motorcyclists said their vehicles allow them to reconnect with their friends.

Powersporting allows an escape but not a complete “unplug” from the office.

• 79 percent of bass boaters, 78 percent of travel trailer owners, 76 percent of power boaters, 69 percent of motorcyclists and 66 percent of RV owners said they use their vehicles to escape from the fast pace of life.
• Only 58 percent of motorcyclists, 49 percent of bass boaters, 45 percent of power boaters, 42 percent of travel trailer owners and 30 percent of RV owners refrain from using their cell phones and BlackBerries for business purposes while on trips with their vehicle.

Quality time is a driving force behind purchasing power toys.

• 76 percent of travel trailer owners, 69 percent of RV owners, 65 percent of power boaters, 54 percent of bass boaters and 27 percent of motorcyclists originally bought a vehicle to share an activity with someone they care about.

Powersporters focus on operating their vehicles safely.

• 92 percent of power boaters, 87 percent of bass boaters, 83 percent of travel trailer owners, 82 percent of RV owners and 81 percent of motorcyclists said they place a great deal of emphasis on operating their vehicle safely.
• 80 percent of power boaters, 79 percent of motorcyclists and bass boaters, 56 percent of RV owners and 53 percent of travel trailer owners have participated in a safety course.

Methodology:

Between November 30 and December 20, 2006, The Brandware Group conducted a national consumer survey of motorcycle, power boat, bass boat, RV and travel trailer owners. The survey yielded 2,518 valid responses and had a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percent.