Americans Drive a Combined Average of 25 Billion Miles During the Holiday Season

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter weather is here – just in time for many Americans to embark on holiday road trips. According to an online survey commissioned by Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) and fielded by Harris Poll in October 2015,* Americans log a combined national average of 25 billion miles on the road to visit family and spend a combined average of $52 billion on travel during the holiday season.** Although many will be taking holiday road trips, only a quarter (26 percent) of drivers in Snowbelt states already have installed or plan to install winter tires this year.

"Many Americans are traveling for the holidays, but most haven't fully prepared their vehicles to take on challenging winter driving conditions," said Chris Welty, Bridgestone tire education specialist. "Winter tires are built specially to give drivers better grip, stopping power and more control in snow, slush and ice. The thin layer of water on the road from ice or melting snow can be very dangerous, and winter tires are designed to clear that icy water and grip the road."

Although they're planning to drive 147 miles on average to different family members' homes this holiday season, many Americans are troubled by the freezing temperatures and treacherous driving conditions that accompany the start of winter. Seventy-one percent of drivers admit they are nervous to drive when it's icy, and many also are nervous to drive during heavy fog (52 percent), heavy rain (48 percent), sleet (47 percent) and snow (45 percent). In fact, when Americans were asked what they dislike in general about the winter season, driving issues topped the list, specifically icy roads (59 percent) and other drivers who drive dangerously (55 percent). Other major dislikes include heating bills (47 percent), removing snow and ice from their vehicle (43 percent), and even cold feet (38 percent).

"It's clear from our survey findings that Americans are worried about driving in winter weather," said Welty. "Making the switch to winter tires can help ensure that drivers feel confident in every winter driving condition – whether they are headed to Grandma's house this holiday or sticking closer to home. The holiday season can be stressful, but hitting the road in winter weather doesn't have to be."

To make sure their vehicles are road trip ready, most of those who currently own a vehicle (74 percent) prepare for winter by checking tire pressure (48 percent), windshield wipers (46 percent) or fluid levels (45 percent). When it comes to preparing a vehicle for winter weather, Bridgestone encourages drivers to remember the four B's – battery, brakes, blades and Blizzak winter tires.

For information about Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires or to find a Bridgestone retailer, visit www.ConquertheCold.com.

*Survey Methodology: This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Bridgestone from October 14-16, 2015, among 2,072 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact [email protected]

**Calculation based on U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 Census, which estimates there are 234.6 million adults ages 18+ residing in the United States: 234.6M x .65 travel for holidays; of these $343 average spend on holiday travels = $52B. 234.6M x .73 drive to different family member's HH during the holiday season; of these 147 average miles driven = 25B miles.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tennessee-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas, Inc.