LONDON, July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

As cars get packed up for the summer holidays, a survey by Carrentals.co.uk has found that the British public will replace the opportunity to spend quality family time together during long car journeys with more time spent on their phones and gadgets.

Traditional games and activities, such as I Spy and sing-songs are being shunned to check Facebook, surf the internet or plug in headphones to listen to music.

Top 5 In-Car Entertainment Last 12 Months 

1. Listening to music using headphones (49%)
2. Surfing the web on mobile phone (48%)
3. Checking Facebook/other social media (47%)
4. Playing games on mobile device (47%)
5. Playing I Spy (41%)

(% who have undertaken activity)

I Spy scraped into the list of the top 5 in-car entertainment activities with old favourites like sing-songs, 'rock, paper, scissors' and thumb wrestling being thrown out of the window.

The reasons for the switch to tech are compelling, with three quarters of those surveyed stating that mobile devices make the driver's life easier by keeping children entertained on long car journeys, even if it means less family time.

Gareth Robinson, managing director of Carrentals.co.uk said: "It's a shame that the opportunity for family time is being replaced by technology. However, as a father I know how irritating constant questions like 'are we nearly there yet?' can be.

"It's interesting that 60% of people believe that children do like traditional games, but still choose to give them phones, tablets or gaming consoles as it gives them an easier drive. We think it is best to mix it up, put the phones down and try having a sing-song or I Spy break."

Worryingly, over a quarter of respondents stated that electronic devices are more distracting to drivers than traditional games and 6% admitted to having been involved in an accident where a mobile device was the cause or an influencing factor; this rose to 13% of those aged 18-25. 

The carrentals.co.uk survey was conducted in June 2014 and questioned over 900 people.

About Carrentals.co.uk

Searching up to 50 different car hire suppliers, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Holiday Autos and Sixt, Carrentals.co.uk provides an impartial comparison of the best prices available in over 15,000 locations worldwide.

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SOURCE www.carrentals.co.uk