The average commuter spends over five full days just driving to and from work every year, according to new research.
The poll of 2,000 employed Americans who commute to work via car found in a typical year, the average commuter will spend 580 minutes going back and forth from work and their home in a single month.
In fact, because of their commute, a third of Americans are stressed out before they even get to work.
The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Batteries Plus Bulbs, explored the driving dilemmas and disturbances associated with the average commute to work and discovered 27 percent often complain about their commuting woes.
Seventy-six percent feel guilty whenever they show up to the office even slightly past their intended start time.
That might be due in part to a quarter (25%) of those polled not thinking commuting issues are valid excuses to be late to the office.
Over a quarter (26%) say their bosses aren’t very sympathetic about them showing up late to work because of car issues.
According to the study you are officially “late” when you arrive six minutes past your start time.
But 48% of those polled consider themselves late if they arrive any time after their start time.
In addition to looking at tardiness, the survey also unveiled the biggest dilemmas commuters face every morning.
The top reason Americans are heading to their offices late is a result of traffic — with 76% saying that being stuck in traffic is their biggest commuter dilemma.
Other issues commuters face when making it to the office on time include a flat tire (54%), dead car battery (54%), car emergency (27%) and losing their car keys (25%).
“Few things are more stressful on a busy morning than misplaced or lost keys,” said Matt Galewski, director of marketing for Batteries Plus Bulbs. “We cut keys and replace and program key fobs in our stores, often in as little as 30 minutes and at an average of 50 percent less than what dealerships charge.”
All these commuting issues have caused 22% of those studied to consider methods of transport beyond their car.
From less stress (38%) and more relaxation (33%) to trying to avoid getting a flat tire (33%) or having a dead car battery (32%), Americans who commute to work by car are looking for other options.
Over one in three are dissatisfied with their car and would feel a wave of relief if they felt they could rely on it more.
And in order to stop complaining about their commutes all the time, Americans would need to earn an extra $17,076.59 in addition to their current salary.
“Feeling more confident during a commute is essential,” said Matt Galewski, director of marketing for Batteries Plus Bulbs. “Those who have vehicle batteries older than two years can take advantage of our free battery tests on an annual basis to help avoid the danger of battery failure.”
TOP 5 COMMUTER DILEMMAS
1. Traffic 76%
2. Flat tire 54%
3. Dead car battery 54%
4. Car emergency 27%
5. Losing car keys 25%
TOP 5 REASONS FOR TRYING DIFFERENT METHODS OF COMMUTING
1. Less stress 38%
2. More relaxation 33%
3. Having a flat tire 33%
4. Having a dead car battery 32%
5. No reliance on unreliable vehicles 30%
