Drivers behaving badly! Dangerous Driving Complaints from Drivers
Drivers across Queensland and Australia should take a closer look at their driving behaviors, particularly when it comes to the feedback from everyday drivers, when asked, “What really annoys them about other drivers on the road?”
Overwhelmingly, what drives people crazy, across many surveys, focuses on a general lack of common courtesy leading to some seriously dangerous driving scenarios.
Drivers surveyed by the peak bodies including NRMA, RACQ and the QLD Gov. are reporting, the most frustrating driver behavior is:
- Drivers increasing their speed when being overtaken or when attempting to merge in front of them.
- Tailgating or following too closely is another grievance ranking highly on the list of complaints. It is not surprising to learn the majority of collisions on our roads come from the rear of the vehicle!
These are obstructive, dangerous and unnecessary driving behaviors and responsible for many near misses, not to mention the high level of driver frustration, fear, insurance claims, inconvenience, expense and so on…
Not surprising, motorists also mentioned:
- Littering as high on their list of grievances. Talk to any motorbike rider about dealing with cigarette butts being thrown out of the window and landing on their lap!
- Driver distraction caused by people talking, texting and using social media on mobile phones whilst driving.
Other top grievances include:
- Incorrect use of indicators at roundabouts and drivers failing to indicate altogether.
- Turning from the wrong lane when exiting a roundabout or multi-lane road.
- Road rage demonstrated by aggressive drivers is universally agreed as being a continual worry and often results in a frightening experience for the recipient of the rage!
With all the public education and road safety awareness delivered by the media, increased road presence and law enforcement by the Queensland police and campaigns by motoring bodies including the QLD Government, RACQ and so on, it is important all road users take a good look at the way they drive.
Motorists would do well to remember that not only are these bad driving behaviors dangerous and illegal in most cases, they can also be very dangerous for other road users as well as themselves.
“If every driver simply lifted their standard of driving, it would lift the whole standard of driving on our roads.”
All motorists have a responsibility to driver safely, especially when interacting with increasing numbers of other road users, many of whom are young, novice drivers, foreign international license holders with a poor understanding of our road rules and expected behaviors and cyclists!
By acting courteously and paying attention to the needs of other road users, you will minimize the risk to your life and other road users as well as contributing to making the roads a safer space.
Summary of the Top 10 commonly reported driver complaints
- Increasing speed when another driver attempts to overtake.
- Tailgating.
- Littering.
- Incorrect use of indicators.
- Turning from the wrong lane.
- Illegal use of mobile phones.
- Lack of courtesy.
- Blocking when overtaking.
- Ignoring speed limits.
- Aggression and abuse.
A Queensland government initiative entitled, ‘Join the drive to save lives’, states that road crashes claim too many lives. There are lots of ways we can make our roads safer and reduce dangerous driving. You can visit jointhedrive.qld.gov.au to find out more.
This campaign urges drivers to:
- Plan not to drink and drive.
- Put the brakes on speeding. Regularly check your speedo and speed signs and avoid following too closely. Always leave a gap of at least 2 seconds between you and the vehicle in front.
- Take action against distractions – Switch your mobile phone off whist driving. Pull over safely before using your phone or GPS.
- Show some restraint- Always wear your seat belt and make sure your passengers do also. Remember, the driver is responsible for all passengers buckling up.
- Wake up to fatigue – Avoid driving when tired. 10 hours a day is the maximum you should drive and then you should rest every 2 hours.
- Make safety your priority– Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.
- Know and follow the road rules.
- Share the road by driving courteously and patiently. Remember the 1.0 m rule when passing cyclists. Be careful when turning near trucks and buses.
GPS Driving School – promoting safety, quality and performance on road.
