High rates of car sickness in kids rules family travel out for many

• More than a third (34 per cent) of UK drivers with children say their kids have experienced car sickness
• Over a quarter (27 per cent) of drivers whose children have experienced car sickness cannot travel by car
• 41 per cent of drivers dread long car journeys with their children

More than a third (34 per cent¹) of UK drivers with children surveyed say their kids have experienced car sickness leaving parents concerned about taking car journeys and the impact car sickness has on their daily routines, reveals new research from Churchill Motor Insurance.²

The high rates of car sickness amongst kids are leading families to reassess how they approach driving. Over a quarter (27 per cent) of UK drivers whose children experience car sickness avoid travelling by car altogether, whilst 17 per cent say they can only manage essential car trips with their kids.

Source: Churchill Motor Insurance 2024

Car sickness is a problem that spans generations and isn’t limited to children of course. The new study also reveals that one in eight (13 per cent) adult drivers surveyed also suffer from it, with one in seven (15 per cent) of them only able to make essential trips by car.

Source: Churchill Motor Insurance 2024

For parents with children who are car sick it often means they are required to make multiple breaks to their car journeys. Typically, families have to stop twice, but some report more than five breaks are needed. The thought of car sickness is causing anxiety and frustration for many families with two in five (41 per cent) UK drivers dreading long car journeys with their children. 

Source: Churchill Motor Insurance 2024

Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, commented: “The challenges that come with children who suffer from car sickness is widespread and often overlooked. With a significant proportion of children and even adults affected, car sickness can have a serious impact on everyday life. Parents are finding themselves dreading long trips and non-essential travel, limiting their mobility and day-to-day experiences.

“It is important to raise awareness on this affliction and mitigate it through practical methods, especially as it can be highly distracting for parents when driving. Parents should explore where possible, some preventative methods to help avoid their children suffering from car sickness. Potentially consider always driving with another passenger in the back of the car, avoiding activities that can trigger car sickness in an individual and keeping hydrated.

Dr Qadeer Arshad, a neuroscientist and Director of Research for the inAmind Lab, has researched where the phenomenon of car sickness comes from.

Dr Qadeer commented: “As a neuroscientist, I’ve seen first-hand how disruptive car sickness can be for both children and adults. Our research has shown that car sickness stems from a disconnect between the sensory signals sent to the brain, particularly the balance system. This mismatch is often triggered by certain activities such as reading a book or watching a screen while in motion. By understanding these triggers, families can take practical steps, such as opening a window for fresh air or avoiding screens, to help mitigate symptoms and make journeys more comfortable for everyone.”

Dr Qadeer has crafted five tips to help the different generations of car users combat car sickness, offering simple yet effective strategies for a smoother and more comfortable journey.

Dr Qadeer Arshad’s top tips to combat car sickness

1) Open the window and look outside or at the horizon

2) Avoid using your phone and avoid reading whilst the car is in motion

3) Manage anxiety

4)  Passengers should try to sit in the middle of the car where there's less motion

5) Getting used to car sickness can reduce the severity of future episodes

- ENDS –

Notes to Editors

1.      Survey conducted for Churchill Motor Insurance by Censuswide amongst 2021 UK drivers with use of a car (17+) between 30^th September to 2^nd October 2024.

2.      Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

For further information please contact:

Hayley Saunders 

Churchill PR Manager 

Tel: 07814 269915 

Email: hayley.saunders@directlinegroup.co.uk

Al-Fayad Qayyum

FleishmanHillard  

Tel: 0777 543 0035  

Email: DirectLineGroupMedia@Fleishman.com  

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line. Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.   Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com.