Hertz reveals secret to avoiding holiday road trip arguments

- Almost half of all family road trip arguments stem from getting lost, Hertz poll* suggests

LONDON, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The secret to avoiding arguments in the car this holiday season is as simple as plugging in a reliable satellite navigation device(satnav), research by The Hertz Corporation (NYSE:HTZ) in the UK found. According to Hertz's poll, the most common cause of in-car rows is getting lost and bickering over directions.

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With millions of motorists predicted to hit the roads from December 19, the risk of family flare-ups is greater than ever.

More than four in 10 drivers (44%) named navigation as the most likely cause of a dispute during a family car journey, while nearly half (48%) said a satnav was the most important item to pack.

Parents should also remember to take some gadgets to occupy their children, as the survey found noisy and naughty youngsters are the second biggest reason for disagreements –voted for by 40% of motorists. Almost a third (29%) identified games and entertainment as the top items to take on a family trip.

The satnav may also come in handy for finding alternative routes, as, according to the survey's findings, the third most common cause of arguments is getting stuck in traffic.

"With so many people on the roads, the holidays can be a stressful time for families to spend in the car," said Michel Taride, Group President, Hertz International. "Last year brought storms and floods that left people stranded in their vehicles and delayed journeys."

"Our research shows that a little planning and a few essential items can make the difference between a smooth getaway and a nightmare trip," Taride continued.

For those hiring vehicles for their holiday getaway, the Hertz NeverLost® satellite navigation system takes the strain out of mapping the best route. The technology is available on rentals across Europe and features an easy-to-use touch-screen, voice control, Bluetooth for hands-free calls and advanced 3D lane guidance to make junctions simpler to negotiate.

Hertz customers can also travel without the worry of searching for an internet connection or paying exorbitant roaming charges by adding a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to their rentals. The portable device lets customers easily link tablets, laptops, smartphones and games consoles to the web while on the move.

As families prepare to drive to visit relatives and take holidays this season, Hertz has compiled a list of winter travel essentials to ensure safe and stress-free journeys.

Hertz's holidays getaway driving checklist