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Driving at Christmas time always seems to be a chore, what with the murky conditions outside, a glut of other cars on the road (as families all strive to see their far-flung relatives, too) and the kids screaming in the back because they just want to be playing with their new presents in front of a warm fire. Come on folks, let's admit it - it's a nightmare, isn't it?
Well, apparently not, according to the people at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The rental company has conducted a survey of Irish motorists to find out their thoughts on Christmas driving, and apparently 86 per cent of the respondents said the journey home for Christmas was the most enjoyable trip of the year. REALLY?!
Ahem. Apart from the festive trek, the survey showed driving to the airport for a holiday and a road trip with friends were also enjoyable journeys, but none of them matched up to Christmas driving.
Almost half said the most important consideration for the Christmas journey was safety, while a third singled out frost and ice on the roads as their main concern surrounding their journey home for Christmas. Sadly, one in five Irish drivers said the behaviour of other motorists on the road was a key concern, too.
There's a link to Enterprise's business too, naturally, as the survey showed 18 per cent of Irish people felt the use of a reliable, fully roadworthy car for the Christmas period was an essential, which means they will rent a vehicle for the duration.
George O'Connor, managing director of Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland, said: "Our survey confirms how special we all view the Christmas season and the opportunity to get together with friends and family. The survey further revealed that safety is a key concern for Irish drivers.
"It also highlighted the benefits and peace of mind that people get from hiring a car for the Christmas period and it is clear that having an up-to-date, fully roadworthy car to use over the Christmas holiday helps to assuage some of the safety concerns of Irish drivers.
"It is also important to reiterate the Road Safety Authority's advice to people during the Christmas period. As people enjoy the festivities, it is important to remember to never, ever drink and drive, and always plan your itinerary for a night out in advance, making sure you know how to get home safely. As well as this, please be aware of your speed and general fatigue when driving over the Christmas period."
Anything else?
So what was the favourite festive song, as voted for by the survey's respondents? 'Driving Home For Christmas', by Chris Rea? No, of course not; it was the brilliant 'Fairytale Of New York', by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl. On the music front, 37 per cent of drivers polled in the survey said they would be tuning into the radio on the Christmas journey home, while 33 per cent will listen to their own playlists.