Study: Aussie drivers profess respect, but witness dangerous driving 

Most Australians see bad driving regularly but claim they are polite behind the wheel, according to new research by Finder.

New research from Australia’s largest financial comparison site found that 85% of Aussie drivers claim they make an effort to be courteous behind the wheel.

Taylor Blackburn, insurance specialist at Finder told carsales there are so many ways to show politeness on the road.

“The basics are a wave or a nod to thank another driver, or something simple like allowing a driver to merge into a busy lane,” he said.

“Having empathy when driving behind a learner driver or the restraint not to use your horn when you are inconvenienced marks you as polite.”

Blackburn says that politeness also extends to pedestrians, letting them cross – especially if crossing the street looks difficult for them – even when there isn't a designated crossing.

“The highest level of consideration is stopping to check on a motorist who appears in distress, like with a flat tyre or a breakdown,” he said.

Despite Aussie drivers considering themselves polite by demonstrating these actions, the research also found that four in five have witnessed risky road behaviour – that’s 17.3 million Aussies who’ve seen dangerous driving.

Around 43% have witnessed drivers not using indicators or indicating late, 40% have seen drivers tailgate, 38% have seen drivers speed, while 35% have observed dangerous overtaking.

Blackburn believes the disconnect stems from selective memory and cognitive dissonance.

“It’s easy to personally remember when you were a nice person and easier to forget when you’ve laid on the horn or cursed at another driver you deemed inconsiderate or unsafe,” he said.

“In the same vein, it’s a jarring and memorable event when someone does the wrong thing to you, where recalling a nice driver who waved you into a busy lane is often forgotten the minute after it happens.”

Drivers are also citing confusion over the road rules as a cause, with two in five or 40% of drivers unsure about certain road rules.

The most confusing road rules for drivers reported in the research were who has right of way at a roundabout and at an intersection. How close is considered tailgating, how should you go about merging on a highway or passing a cyclist, and driving in the right-hand lane were next.

Whether it’s confusion or purposeful driving behaviour, Blackburn said that it has consequences.

“Rude driving not only creates unsafe conditions in the moment but can cause road rage or anxiety from other drivers.”

“This can have a ripple effect, causing other unsafe reactions like rapid acceleration, speeding and tailgating.”

Additionally, it can cause financial pain because, along with fines if you’re caught performing these risky driving behaviours, other repercussions can leave a very deep hole in your wallet.

“This widespread confusion over basic road rules leads to more accidents, more claims, and ultimately, higher premiums,” he said.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow to see your insurance go up when you're a good driver, but we all pay the price for the mistakes of others."

This is a serious issue. According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), 1,300 people lost their lives on Australian roads in 2024.

Blackburn’s advice: if you’re unsure about the road rules, educate yourself.

"Take the time to do a quick refresh on the road rules – it's a small investment that could save you from a major financial hit in the long run."

And if you’re on the road and witness bad driving behaviour, mindfulness is key.

“If someone targets you as a poor driver – fairly or unfairly – stay calm and do not engage. Take a deep breath and focus on your own driving and try to get away from the situation. Retaliation is the most common cause of escalation into dangerous road rage incidents.”

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