Americans have a nostalgic appreciation for their car since the pandemic, according to a new poll—and it’s no wonder. 40% of them have experienced epiphanies or “eureka” moments while sitting in those cars.
A survey of 2,000 American drivers and car owners explored the relationships that people have with their vehicles.
It found that there’s no shortage of life-altering moments happening behind 2-or-4 doors, from making a commitment to positive change to coming up with a business idea or figuring out an invention.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll, was commissioned by Metromile, a digital insurer: “While many Americans reduced their driving during the pandemic, our study shows that cars remain an essential part of our lives.”
The study also showed that cars had become extensions of one’s home—operating as everything from a de facto office to a video call studio for work.
48% said their car is a perfect space to talk to themselves, a perfect place to cry (42%), to shop online (37%), or to take a photo of themselves (21%).
The study also revealed the type of conversations respondents have had in their cars. The average driver said they’ve had at least six awkward talks in their car. More specifically, 46% said they’ve experienced some of the worst moments of their lives in their car.
But, many people view their vehicles as a refuge, with 40% of respondents saying that their vehicle is the only space they have to themselves.
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58% said they’ve had some of the best moments of their lives sitting inside their ride—and two of every five people surveyed said they are ready to hit the open road again.
MOST INTERESTING EPIPHANIES THAT PEOPLE HAD IN CARS
Figured out a great chess move
Came up with an invention
Figured out how to make amends to my best friend after an ugly argument
Realized how to tell something important to someone
Encountered a spirit
Realized that I need to love more and show it
Figured out how to make a bookcase that lights up with motion
Caught someone in a lie
Realized I could invest the money I spend on fast food
Found the best way to get rid of a pimple
Realized that frogs are amphibians and not reptiles
Found a road behind Mount Diablo in Concord, California
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