The majority of British Columbians (66%) are planning a summer road trip as the province begins phase three of its Restart Plan, with 75% planning their preparations around ensuring they remain “extra safe” during the pandemic, according to a British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) survey.
COVID-19 is the key factor sending people in B.C. (and likely elsewhere in Canada) on a road trip this summer, with 84% of survey respondents saying they are doing this in search of some normalcy. Forty-five percent said they are more likely to take a road trip due to the current travel restrictions.
“This is not the summer to jump in the car with a pair of flip flops and half a tank of gas and let the road take you where it may,” said BCAA Automotive Manager Josh Smythe, who is urging Canadians to leave nothing to chance. “This is about the safety of you, those you travel with and the communities you visit or pass through.”
But the survey indicates that Canadians get the message — at least, those planning a road trip. That being said, 32% feel that planning takes the spontaneity and fun out of the road trip, although the vast majority do accept that proper planning is a necessary during the pandemic (with 79% indicating they are embracing planning as part of the road trip experience).
The survey also reveals that 83% said they will validate that their destination is welcoming visitors before leaving home, and 63% said they will get their vehicles serviced before they leave. Of that group, 35% said they are more likely to get a tune-up compared to pre-COVID.
Smythe is advising Canadians to get their vehicle serviced before the road trip, booking early enough to avoid a possible road trip maintenance rush, inspecting the spare tire (or ensuring there is one) and ensuring they know how to remove it.
In addition, he advises packing an emergency kit, windshield fluid, pylons, blanket, flashlight, a portable battery charger, and COVID-19 essentials (hand sanitizer, wipes, soap, and face masks).
For dealers, there may be an opportunity among road-trippers planning a vacation this summer.
