Parents less prepared to handle emergencies in the car vs. at home hum survey reveals

ATLANTA, GA – According to a study released by hum, when it comes to creating safe environments for their families childproofing, installing security systems and blocking dangerous areas in their homes (such as stairways) rank among the top measures parents take to protect their households. In comparison, the research found that parents are less prepared in their cars, with installing a car seat reported as one of the only proactive steps taken to create a safe and protected vehicle environment.

The survey found that:

• 70 percent of parents admit they are more fearful of being in a vehicle-related emergency situation such as a breakdown or car accident.
• Parents are nearly three-times more anxious about something outside of their control occurring in their vehicle, as compared to their home (12 percent versus 30 percent).
• 71 percent of parents reported that they would know what to do if their child bumped their head home, in comparison only 49 percent of parents reported that they would know what to do if their car broke down on the road while their child was in the car.
• Nearly half (43 percent) of expecting parents say they need more information about what they should be doing to keep their car safe and secure for their family. 
• Respondents were far more likely to take cautionary steps in the car – including installing a car seat (67 percent and childproofing their doors 51 percent) as opposed to more proactive measures, like learning how to diagnose maintenance issues (32 percent) or establishing a trusted relationship with a mechanic (39 percent).

“Despite the technology solutions available on the market today, parents still don’t feel empowered to protect their families while in the car," said Shane Schwab, director of hum Sales and Operations at Verizon Telematics. “That’s precisely why we’re so passionate about our new service, hum. It delivers exactly what parents are asking for – a simple, easy-to-use solution that provides the ultimate peace of mind while behind-the-wheel at the press of a button.”

About hum

Hum is an aftermarket vehicle technology and subscription service that enables drivers on the road to make their car smarter through a simple solution regardless of their wireless service provider. The service, compatible with more than 150 million cars on the road today [in the U.S.], provides subscribers with an easy-to-install solution that helps predict potential issues, prevents breakdowns and offers protection when problems do arise. At the simple press of a button, drivers receive diagnostic information, pinpoint roadside assistance and live consultation with ASE-certified mechanics and emergency personnel on-demand.

About the hum Car Safety Survey
The survey, conducted by Edelman Berland, includes insights from 1,000 respondents across the U.S. who are parents to a child 15 and under or expecting parents; are car owners; and either own or rent a home. The survey was conducted in July 2015 using an online survey with a +/-3.1% margin of error.