Stupid…or is it slow? From tailgating to failing to give way, Australian drivers have seen it all on our roads.
Recent Finder research has found that 4 in 5 Australians have seen risky road behaviour from other drivers.
Not using indicators was the biggest risky behaviour witnessed among respondents (43%), followed by tailgating (40%), driving too fast in dangerous conditions (38%) and dangerous overtaking (35%).
Reckless behaviour on the road not only puts you in the bad books of over drivers, it can also cause serious or fatal harm.
In NSW alone, speeding is the leading cause of death and injury, contributing to 45% of fatalities and 25% of serious injuries.
Driving disconnect: Australians confused with common road rules
Finder’s research shows a disconnect between what Australians think they know and how they actually drive.
Our survey also questioned Australians on their road rule knowledge, with many confused by everyday scenarios.
The biggest rules drivers were confused about were the right of way at a roundabout (9%) and the right of way at an intersection (9%), followed by merging on a highway (7%) and what is considered tailgating (7%).
Taylor Blackburn, insurance specialist at Finder, says this disconnect on our roads can lead to major financial burden later on.
“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.”
Want better car insurance?
Start comparing
How poor driving habits can affect premiums
According to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), 3.3 million speeding fines were issued last year.
Aside from a major sting to your wallet, speeding tickets can also do some damage to your car insurance premium.
When assessing your premium, some car insurers may consider your driving history. And speeding fines, demerit points and license suspensions can paint the picture of an irresponsible driver.
While it’s clear many drivers will need to shape up before the next time they get behind the wheel, Blackburn has suggested a simple starting point.
“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.”
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.