Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

70% of Summer Motorists Worry About Road Conditions

A new AAA survey reveals drivers’ frustrations over both traffic congestion and a crumbling infrastructure.

by Staff
May 17, 2016
70% of Summer Motorists Worry About Road Conditions

Photo of crumbling road courtesy of AAA.

2 min to read


Photo of crumbling road courtesy of AAA.

About 70% of drivers traveling this summer are concerned about poor road conditions or traffic congestion, according to a new survey from AAA.

The survey revealed that 56% of U.S. consumers will be hitting the road for a summer vacation, but only one in five thinks the roads are in great driving condition.

Ad Loading...

Some top concerns for drivers planning a road trip this summer are too much traffic congestion (48% of drivers) and unsafe roads and bridges (36% of drivers).

“Bad roads and traffic gridlock can make summer travel unpleasant and costly for U.S. drivers,” said Jill Ingrassia, AAA managing director of government relations and traffic safety advocacy. “This survey shows that drivers are frustrated with the condition of our roads and bridges.”

Over the past five years, AAA found that damaged roads have resulted in $15 billion in vehicle repairs, or approximately $3 billion annually. What’s more, according to the 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard, traffic delays have kept drivers on the road for nearly 7 billion extra hours and caused them to waste more than 3 billion gallons of fuel.

“Americans rely on our nation’s roads and bridges every day and it is important that they are safe,” Ingrassia said. “Last year Congress made great strides by passing a five-year transportation bill, but an estimated $170 billion per year in additional funding is still needed to significantly improve America’s crumbling roads and bridges.”

AAA completed a telephone survey of two national probability samples (landline only and cell phone). The total sample size consisted of 1,006 adults living in the continental U.S. Interviewing for the survey was conducted April 28-May 1 of this year. This study has an average statistical error of ±3.1% at the 95% confidence level for all U.S. adults, AAA said.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Rental Operations

an exotic car wrapped in an insurance policy
Rental Operations•October 1, 2026

The $100,000 Insurance Trap in Exotic Car Rentals

Exotic rental agencies often rely on customers’ personal auto policies to protect six-figure vehicles. But policy language can dramatically change the coverage for vehicles over $100,000 MSRP.

Read More →
globe of world and drivers license from UK
Rental Operations•September 28, 2026

The Booking Is Confirmed, But Is Your Customer Ready to Drive?

For international renters, a confirmed reservation doesn’t always mean they’re eligible to drive. Earlier checks can help operators catch documentation and payment issues before the customer reaches the counter.

Read More →
Scenes from Car Rental Shows past
Rental Operations•by Staff•September 23, 2026

ICRS 2027 Opens Call for Papers

The International Car Rental Show seeks session proposals on the business, operational, and technology issues facing car rental operators. Submissions are due Jan. 15.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
hand holding phone and Turo logo
Rental Operations•by Staff•September 21, 2026

Turo to Launch Vehicle Delivery Service

Turo Delivered will let travelers search for vehicles that hosts can deliver directly to hotels, homes, airports, train stations, and other locations.

Read More →
plane, palm trees, car rental sign
Rental Operations•by Chris Brown•September 15, 2026

Palm Beach Airport Code Change Creates Car Rental Distribution Gap

A test of rental searches under the old PBI and new DJT airport codes returned largely different sets of brands and vehicles, highlighting a potential distribution problem for rental operators.

Read More →
Team members of U-Save's new franchise
Rental Operations•by Staff•September 15, 2026

U-Save Continues Dominican Republic Expansion with Launch in Punta Cana

The new franchise location builds on U-Save’s existing Santo Domingo operation and will begin taking reservations for October 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A traveler searches for rental cars with an AI bot
Rental Operations•September 14, 2026

When AI Books the Rental Car, Who Controls the Sale?

As AI moves from comparing rental rates to completing transactions, operators need to understand how travelers find, interpret, rank, and ultimately see their offers. (Part 2 of 2.)

Read More →
map of europe and summer car rental rates
Rental Operations•September 11, 2026

European Booked Car Rental Rates Fell 5%, Results Varied by Country

Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom saw steep declines, while booked rates rose in Poland and Hungary.

Read More →
thumbnail of Chris Brown and Mike DeLorenzo with title Time to Rethink Rental Categories?
Rental Operations•by Chris Brown•September 8, 2026

Is It Time to Rethink Rental Categories?

As traditional economy and compact cars disappear from the market, longtime rental operator Mike DeLorenzo asks whether the industry’s familiar vehicle categories still make sense — and what operators need to rethink along with them.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Woman receiving car rental rates on computer from AI agent
Rental Operations•September 1, 2026

Who Owns the Rate? AI Is Creating a New Distribution Problem for Car Rental

Generative Engine Optimization asks whether AI can find a rental company, but operators also need to know whether the agent inspected enough of the market, compared equivalent offers, and presented a rate the traveler can actually book. (Part 1 of 2)

Read More →
Ad Loading...