Road rage, distraction worst behaviours WA road users say

Road rage, impatience and distracted driving are the worst behaviours road users are witnessing, according to an RAC poll of more than 14,000 West Australians.

When asked what the worst driver behaviours were, over 4,400 people – around 31 per cent – nominated road rage/impatience as their biggest gripe.

Driver distraction and mobile phone use came in second on the list with almost 3,000 people nominating it as a serious problem.

More than 2,300 thought poor knowledge of road rules was problematic – landing a spot as the third worst behaviour – followed by speeding in fourth place with almost 2,300 nominations.

Poor merging rounded out the top five risky behaviours.

RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said careless actions of drivers and other road users can have potentially devastating consequences.

“When it comes to road user behaviour, we all have a responsibility to keep our emotions in check behind the wheel,” Mr Golsby said.

“That means following road rules, practicing patience, being courteous and doing whatever we can to avoid potential road rage situations.

“Distracted driving and mobile phone use have the potential to cause serious injury and death on the roads – a few seconds of inattention could result in a major crash.

“Using your phone behind the wheel is not only extremely dangerous, it also attracts a $1,000 fine and four demerit points.”

Mr Golsby also said modifying risky road behaviours should be a high priority following a tragic 19 per cent surge in road deaths last year.

“Last year, we witnessed a horrific year on the roads with 188 deaths recorded – the highest figure since 2017.

“Already this year 32 people have lost their lives on WA roads.

“It’s crucial we don’t allow complacency to set in; instead, we all need to prioritise safe road behaviours to ensure everyone gets home safely to their loved ones.”

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Media contact: Haylee Ruwaard, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au