The (un)secret "desire for traffic jams" is not a legend. It really does exist: more and more Germans are coming to terms with traffic jams and find them less and less of a burden. Only one in ten car drivers now suffers from claustrophobia and feelings of panic (1992: 14% - 1995: 10%). And feelings of discomfort ranging from headaches to sweating are also becoming less and less common (1992: 16% - 1995: 13%). More than 12 million German citizens now say „A little chaos is okay“. This is the result of a recent representative survey by the BAT Leisure Research Institute, in which 2,600 German citizens (including 1,646 car drivers) were asked about their feelings and reactions to traffic jams at weekends and on holiday.
One in five German citizens is as relaxed as they are happy about traffic jams on weekend and holiday trips. Some even enjoy „a bit of chaos“ - men much more (26%) than women (15%). In contrast to rush-hour traffic, even a traffic jam seems to be an enjoyable experience in leisure traffic. „You feel mobile even though you are stuck in a traffic jam,“ says Prof Dr Horst W. Opaschowski, Director of the B?A?T Institute. „The traffic jam becomes a leisure experience“.
There are striking differences between the generations. The proportion of young people who are eager to experience traffic jams and queues („Where there's a lot going on, there's also a lot to experience“) is more than four times as high (26%) as among the older generation aged over 55 (7%). A trend reversal is not in sight for the time being. Between 1992 and 1995, the proportion of German drivers who enjoy a bit of chaos has continued to stabilise - especially among West Germans (1992: 16% - 1995: 20%). When the car becomes a stationary vehicle during leisure time, German drivers are torn between the two: Some are usually feverish with anger, others rather with excitement. Traffic jam fever spreads: there's something going on - and I'm right in the middle of it.

The car of the future:
A „Staumobil“ as a toy for leisure time

The car is heading towards a new future. It is increasingly becoming a leisure and adventure vehicle, a toy on wheels. While car-based shopping and commuter traffic is stagnating, car-based leisure traffic continues to grow unabated. And the population has very specific ideas about how to make cars even more fun. Because people are inevitably spending more time in their cars than before, they are learning to appreciate the greater interior comfort. A vehicle with a touch of cosiness and furnishings. Fixed car seats are transformed into swivelling armchairs or double recliners, and snacks can be easily served up while the air conditioning is in operation and the vacuum cleaner is within easy reach. As the B?A?T representative survey shows, Germans want a multi-purpose car and multi-mobile that can be just as much fun in traffic jams and stationary traffic as it is when travelling. Almost every second driver now dreams of having air conditioning (46%) in their car. One in five would like a car phone (21%). And around one in seven (15%) would like a CD system with additional headphones for separate use by passengers. And some don't want to do without the inbuilt cool box (6%) and kettle (2%). The car becomes a kitchen bar and music studio. And if nothing else works or drives, you can make yourself comfortable on the double lounger (2%) with TV (2%).
The obligatory checklist for leisure-oriented driving and standing pleasure also includes flexible storage space for hobbies and sports (20%) and, of course, all-wheel drive (10%). A convertible (9%) wouldn't be bad either, or at least a sunroof (18%). And all this would be variable and comfortable, an all-purpose touring estate with a leisure look and always independent of whether the car is stationary or travelling. Professor Opaschowski: „Perhaps the waiting car will one day be the last resting place for stressed leisure consumers, who will at least be able to enjoy a moment of supposed peace and quiet in this way - or more correctly: be forced to rest and stand still.“
The car has lost its monopoly on speed to trains and aeroplanes. The poor time utilisation of the car as a „vehicle“ calls into question the fast car as a status symbol. The top speed has become obsolete. The result is a shift from the speed car to the egomobile: pleasurable and seductive, comfortable and cosy - an entertaining pleasure when standing and driving, at any time of day or year.

The new BAT study „Leisure and Mobility“ can be obtained from the BAT Leisure Research Institute, Alsterufer 4, 20354 Hamburg, for a nominal charge of DM 39. We can provide journalists and editorial offices with a review copy free of charge on request.