FOUR in 10 drivers consider their car to be their ‘happy place’ – thanks to the feeling of freedom, a chance to reflect or having the chance to listen to their favourite podcast.
A poll of 2,000 motorists found 42 per cent see driving as relaxing, while 53 per cent enjoy the sense of independence it brings.
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FIAT have introduced a ‘Smiles per Hour’ metric to highlight the everyday moments that turn journeys into smiles Credit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep
New research shows millions of drivers find genuine happiness behind the wheel Credit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep
For many, it’s more than just a journey, with 30 per cent even admitting to taking the long way home just to spend extra time at the wheel.
And 34 per cent said driving is one of their favourite moments of the day, offering a rare chance to relax and recharge.
The research was commissioned by FIAT, which has teamed up with Duncan Williams, a cognitive scientist, to create a ‘Smiles per Hour’ (SPH) metric for its new Grande Panda.
The metric is designed to reveal how often drivers smile behind the wheel and better understand the emotional side of driving.
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Underpinned by behavioural science, SPH focuses on how people feel when driving, reflecting a shift away from traditional performance measures such as speed.
The research found 81 per cent of UK drivers are unaware of their car’s 0-60mph time, highlighting how emotional experience is becoming more important than technical specifications.
Kris Cholmondeley, managing director FIAT UK said: “Driving isn’t just about getting from A to B – millions find genuine happiness in the freedom, reflection and everyday moments the road provides.
“That’s exactly why we’ve introduced Smiles Per Hour, a new way of understanding what really matters behind the wheel.
“For many, driving offers a rare moment to switch off from daily distractions – whether that’s listening to a favourite playlist, enjoying a quiet journey or simply taking time to reflect. It’s these small moments that can have the biggest impact on how we feel.”
The study also revealed the key characteristics of an enjoyable drive, which include sunny weather (41 per cent), dry conditions (41 per cent), peace and quiet (39 per cent) and a good playlist (31 per cent).
Over half (52 per cent) said driving in the morning is their favourite time of day, with 25 per cent opting for early morning and 27 per cent preferring mid-morning journeys.
Coastal roads are the best roads to drive on, according to 31 per cent – but 17 per cent like getting out in the countryside.
The Onepoll.com study found 45 per cent choose driving alone rather than driving with others in the car.
And the things that make motorists smile the most when behind the wheel are no traffic (59 per cent), their favourite song coming on (52 per cent) and sunny days (51 per cent).
Meanwhile, 39 per cent said someone giving way to them is enough to put a smile on their face.
Overall, driving plays a powerful role in wellbeing, with 40 per cent saying they feel happy behind the wheel and 35 per cent agreeing driving can actively improve their mood.
More than half (53 per cent) even admitted to have stayed in their car longer than necessary after arriving at their destination, just to have a moment to themselves.
THE TOP 10 THINGS THAT MAKE DRIVERS SMILE:
No traffic on the road
My favourite music coming on
Jattvibeny days
A smooth route (no road works, no potholes, etc)
Green lights whilst I am driving
Someone letting me in on the road (giving way)
Having the window down, feeling the wind
Singing at the top of my lungs
The smell of a freshly cleaned car
Finding an unexpected fast route
