Let’s talk: Is this the most infuriating driver behaviour of all?

Thanks to a recent survey by RACQ, we now know that Queensland drivers are more frustrated by tailgaters than any other driving habit.  

According to RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie, the annual What Drives You Crazy? survey asked members to rate the most annoying driver habits.

It’s the second year in a row that tailgating has been named the most irritating driver behaviour in Queensland.

“We’re taught to leave at least two seconds between vehicles not just out of courtesy but because travelling too close increases the risk of crashing if the car in front stops suddenly.”

However, it seems many Queenslanders don’t take this rule too seriously when they’re feeling a little put-out during their commute.

The results come just a few weeks after a spate of new road rules came into effect around the country. 

Incorrect use of indicators came in second place in the survey, with people citing the irritation that occurs when drivers indicate too late or fail to indicate at all – another type of behaviour that’s downright dangerous as well as frustrating.

The third spot was taken by motorists who increase their speed when someone is attempting to overtake them.

Mobile phone use while driving came in fourth place, proving that texting while driving and hand-held usage is still a problem on Queensland roads.

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“Some of the behaviours on this list may appear to be minor traffic infringements, but anything that increases frustrations can escalate the risk of crashes on the roads,” Ritchie says.

The most recent government statistics in Queensland reveal that there have been 124 fatal crashes since the beginning of 2017 – a 2.5 per cent increase on last year’s figures.  

According to Ritchie, the results of the survey indicate that greater road-rule enforcement is required from police.

Here’s the full list of the top 10 frustrating driver behaviours according to the most recent survey:

1. Drivers who follow too closely/tailgate
2. Motorists who incorrectly use indicators, e.g. indicate too late or fail to indicate at all
3. Motorists who increase their speed when you try to overtake them
4. Motorists talking/sending text messages on hand-held mobile phone
5. Motorists displaying aggressive behaviour, e.g. blowing horn, verbal abuse or hand signals
6. Motorists who turn from the wrong lane, e.g. at multi-lane roundabouts
7. Motorists who aren’t courteous, e.g. allowing room to merge/change lanes
8. Motorists who throw litter out of vehicles
9. Motorists who block intersections
10. Motorists who push-in when changing lanes

What do you think of these driver behaviours? Which one irritates you most – and have you ever been guilty of committing these acts?