Fewer kilometres on the meter, more time in our day and a new ‘rush hour’: How COVID-19 impacted Aussie motorists in 2020

Allianz Australia reveals the extent to which COVID-19 changed the way we used our cars and roads in 2020; from the time we travelled and how long we travelled for, to the impact on our mood and how much our cars meant to us.

 

The Australian ‘COVID Commute’

 

Daily motoring life saw a big transformation during the pandemic, as Australia officially experienced a new ‘COVID commute’. According to the research, three quarters (74 per cent) of Aussies saw a change in their commuting times. Previous peak commuting times would see Australian roads packed from 8-9am and again from 4-5pm. However, during the pandemic, workers were venturing out later in the morning and earlier in the evening: 9-10am and 2-3pm. 

 

The shift in timings supports the sharp increase in 4.3 million^[1] Australians adapting to a work from home lifestyle since March, with over half (54 per cent) agreeing that their car habits have also changed, with just 40 per cent of the Australian workforce getting to work by car (compared to 50 per cent pre-COVID). 35 per cent of workers who made changes believing they will continue to work from home for some time.

 

Impacts of the new driving habits on daily life

 

One benefit of this change for the average Aussie worker was gaining 72 minutes back in their day. This equated to more than 906 million^[2] minutes a day across the national workforce and over 4.5 billion in a working week; with some (11 per cent) estimating they gained as much as an extra 120 minutes each day.

 

The research also highlighted that the extra time had an enormous impact on the way Aussies lived and felt. Almost one in five (18 per cent) surveyed stated they gained a new perspective on life as a result of having more time on their hands since COVID-19, 23 per cent felt more relaxed and 19 per cent felt more productive. However, the new ‘at home’ lifestyle was not beneficial to everyone; 20 per cent felt bored, 23 per cent felt lazier and 15 per cent felt anxious.  

Allianz Australia, Chief Technical Officer, James Fitzpatrick said: “COVID-19 has had an incredible impact on the way we live our lives day-to-day. Many Aussie’s traditional car useage and commuting behaviours have changed, from the time of day we’re travelling, to how long we’re driving for.”

 

“Although circumstances are unique for every Australian, one thing many Aussies seemed to have had more than ever, is time. We always need more time in our busy lives, and whilst new ways of living comes with its own challenges, to see Aussies getting time back to do things for themselves, such as taking up new hobbies, exercising or perhaps taking that family road trip, shows how they adapted to the new circumstances we still face and often in positive ways,” James said.

 

The role of our cars during and after COVID

 

Despite spending less time commuting, the emotional value cars hold for Australians has increased. According to the research, 21 per cent of respondents claim their car is more important to them post COVID-19, one in six (16 per cent) car owners claim they could not live without their car, and a quarter (22 per cent) say their car makes them feel safer. This rises for those aged 55 – 64, with a third (31 per cent) claiming they feel safest from infection when in their car, indicating the humble car is providing a much-valued safety bubble when out and about. 

 

During lockdown, cars were not only seen as a safety bubble, but also appreciated as an escape bubble too. 42 per cent of Aussies revealed they liked driving during the pandemic because of the sense of normality, routine, freedom or time away from the house that it provided them. In addition, 44 per cent of parents actually used their vehicles as a quiet space from home during lockdown, and 29 per cent admitted to using their cars to escape the kids.

 

The value and variety of benefits that cars provided to Aussies was vast, and it varied across age groups. Of those Aussies who used their car for alternative purposes during lockdown, 62 per cent of 18 – 24 year olds primarily used it as a quiet spot to relax away from the house, indicative of their shared-living circumstances, compared to just 10 per cent of 55 – 64 years old. Nearly half (46 per cent) also had to use their cars as a place of study, while one in three (31 per cent) used the extra space to practice mindfulness and meditation.  

 

Interestingly, one in 10 (10 per cent) of those aged 55 – 64 used their car as an escape from their home and as a place to catch up on some sleep during COVID-19, the highest of all demographics. They were also most likely to use their car as a place to eat (40 per cent) and as a ‘playroom’ for children (10 per cent), suggesting the high importance this age group placed on maintaining a personal safety bubble.   

 

What does 2021 have in store for motorists?

 

Many Aussies believe these changes will last well into 2021 and beyond. 53 per cent think COVID-19 will change our driving habits for the foreseeable future, with one in six (16.6 per cent) thinking it will change our driving habits forever.

 

The changes following COVID-19 permeate all aspects of daily life: Greater flexibility in the workplace (60 per cent); spending more time at home and spending less time socialising or in public spaces (40 per cent); and a rise in people moving out to regional areas (38 per cent). Even the way we travel when we go on vacation, with 9.7 million^[3] Australians (38 per cent) believing we’ll be using our cars this festive season. The vast majority (88 per cent) also believe changes will need to be made to public transport, to make it safer for people to travel .

 

“Whatever way you use or value your car, it’s important to remember to stay protected and safe when you’re on the road. Taking a few moments to check your insurance policy is up to date, changing the oil in your car and checking your tyres have enough tread. In an otherwise potentially stressful time  (particularly for the unlucky few who admitted they couldn’t find their car keys after lockdown)^[4] these simple steps can provide added peace of mind,” said James.