AA announces top Christmas motoring gifts of 2011

AA Ireland today announces the results of its annual poll to identify the top motoring gifts for Christmas 2011.  Taking first place this year is the Satellite Navigation System making somewhat of a come back on last year when it ranked fifth.  

A winter driving kit (deicer, scraper, torch, foldaway shovel etc.), a new entry to the AA’s short list this year went straight in to claim second place suggesting that the unprecedented weather of this time last year is far from forgotten.  A hands free kit was voted the third most popular gift followed by the AA’s €99 Gift Membership in fourth.   

 Another seasonal gift to go straight into the top five as a new entry was snow socks.  AA Patrols who have received a stream of queries from Members about the use of snow socks over the past few months do however urge motorists to understand their limitations before they use them.  Advice on when and how to use snow socks can be found in the AA Winter Zone at www.aaireland.ie/wintertips 

Another highly topical stocking filler for this year, a DIY breathalyzer, ranked 9^th in the AA’s Christmas Gift Poll beating more frivolous motoring gifts such as a car seat massager and customized steering wheel cover. 

 “We’re now in the throes of the Christmas party season and we’d remind motorists that it takes your liver approximately one hour to break down one unit of alcohol.”  Says Conor Faughnan, Director of Policy, AA Ireland.  “Breathalyzer test kits are available from most good pharmacies at a relatively low cost and are certainly a handy thing to have if you’re uncertain of your blood alcohol levels the morning after the night before.”

 Not unsurprisingly an inflatable car toilet which was met with incredulity by most of the polls 11,900 respondents was the least coveted item.  They are reality not fiction however.  In 2007 Japan’s Kaneko Sangyo Co. launched a line of portable car toilets complete with privacy curtain with earthquakes and severe traffic jams in mind. 

“While we may be lacking in motorway service stations, something tells us inflatable toilets won’t take off in Ireland any time soon, excuse the pun, let alone make someone’s Christmas!” Says Faughnan.

The AA’s Annual Christmas Gifts Poll also attracted some comedic write-in suggestions from participants including a chauffeur, a gag for the back seat driver and no snow!

 AA Christmas Gift Membership which comes in a beautiful presentation box can be purchased at: www.aaireland.ie/membergift or by calling 1800 456 777. 

End

Notes to the editor;

Fig. 1 Top Christmas motoring gifts as voted by AA Motoring Panel Poll participants during November 2011 (11,900 responses)

1. A sat nav
2. A winter driving kit (i.e. deicer, scraper, torch, foldaway shovel etc.)
3. A hands free kit
4. AA Christmas Gift Membership (Only €99!)
5. Snow socks for your car tyres
6. A car reversing set (sensors, rear-view camera)
7. An on-the-spot AA Car Service (Available to Members only)
8. A GPS speed camera detector
9. A breathalyzer alcohol tester
10. A car seat massager
11. An anti sleep driving alarm
12. A customized steering wheel/car seat cover
13. An inflatable car toilet! (Who needs service areas eh?!)

Fig. 2 Top Christmas motoring gifts as voted by AA Motoring Panel Poll participants during November 2010 (6,600 responses)

1. Voucher for a full car valet
2. AA AA Car Service – An AA technician comes to you
3. Car reversing set (sensors, rear-view camera etc.)
4. Hands free phone kit
5. A satnav
6. Car head rest DVD player for back seat passengers
7. Mobile phone and media player car charger
8. Car seat warmer
9. Nodding Rudolph for back window
10. Car cooler bag
11. Furry Dice