The average business driver will spend nearly three years of their working life sitting in their car, according to a study.
Researchers for Skoda took an in depth look into life on the road for the nation’s company car drivers and revealed the average worker spends over two-and-a-half hours in their car on a typical working day – that’s 13 hours a week or 26 days every year.
Over a standard 40-year career – age 25-65 – this equates to two years and nine months on the road, and in this time they will clock up 235 miles a week or 451,200 miles over the course of their career – the equivalent of driving around the Earth more than 18 times.
What’s more, typical company car driver will lose their temper 307 times a year, make 355 hands free calls to their boss and drink 614 teas or coffees – all from the comfort of their car.
Each week, as many as five business deals will be clinched in the car, six sandwiches will be eaten and an average of six work-related texts will be sent while on a roadside break. Company employees will rely on their sat nav eight times a week and make their way through six packets of crisps.
| The typical travelling professional will sing their heart out to nearly eight songs a week or 15,000 tracks over their working life. According to the poll, 32 per cent always play loud music before a meeting to get energised, with The Killers’ hit, Mr Brightside the most popular motivational music for professionals.
U2’s It’s a Beautiful Day and Ed Sheeran’s Castle on the Hill were also recognised as great motivating tunes. Henry Williams, Head of Fleet for Škoda UK, said, “Every year we conduct research into the wants, needs, and habits of our company car drivers; the results of which influence the specialist business car range we offer. “The car is more than just a vehicle. For many it’s a mobile office, so technology such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi-hotspot and an infotainment system that keeps you up to date with the latest news channels, weather and fuel prices are as much a necessity as a nice to have.” |
The poll found nearly two-thirds of company car owners said they felt like they spent more time in their vehicle than they do sitting at home on their sofa.
And while 33 per cent said they really enjoyed driving, 52 percent said they seem to spend their life in their car. Twenty per cent complained that their time in the car was the only ‘me time’ they get to themselves and 71 per cent prefer to drive without passengers so they can listen to whatever music they like. The research by the car manufacturer showed that the typical company car owner will spend four hours of every week in a traffic jam, but this has allowed four in ten motorists to make a life changing decision when in the car. In fact, the average company employee will make FOUR life changing decisions whilst sat behind the wheel. |
