Top 5 frustrating driver habits

With millions of vehicles on Australian roads at any given time, it’s no wonder road rage is on the increase.

Some drivers are more inclined towards aggression when they are behind the wheel. Others are timid and unable to make quick decisions.

Some people like to follow the letter of the law, other’s not so much.

Regardless of the type of driver you might be, there’s always going to be someone on the road that causes you stress with their frustrating driving habits, because we’re all different to each other!

You’ll be able to relate to these bad habits because everyone has experienced them in one form or another. Even worse, you may be an offender…

Distracted Driving

There’s always someone who is totally oblivious to their surroundings, and it’s probably because they’re distracted. It comes in many forms – while mobile phone use while driving is illegal, it’s also one of the most common driver distractions.

Applying makeup, eating while driving, or even yelling at kids in the back seat follow closely behind.

If it takes your eyes off the road and your attention off what you’re doing, stop it! You’re putting others in danger and frustrating the motorists share the road with you.

Failing to Use Indicators

How infuriating is it when drivers don’t use their indicators. Yelling obscenities at them doesn’t help either! Some people don’t seem to be aware of where to find their indicator lever.

The problem is compounded when an illegal turn is made, like turning left from the right-hand lane.

The threat of an accident or traffic fine doesn’t deter indicator-dodgers. You should always signal your intentions ahead of time, letting motorists behind you know your driving intentions.

Driving in the Wrong Lane

How often have you changed lanes to overtake, only to discover slower traffic impeding your progress?

These Sunday Drivers mindlessly putter along, blissfully unaware you’re in their rearview mirror. Honk your horn, flash your lights, and they staunchly ignore your presence.

The overtaking lane is for just that – overtaking. If there are cars passing you on the left, you’re in the wrong lane. If only these plodders would move over and let traffic flow freely.

Alas, there are some people who don’t know (or care) that it’s a ticketable offence to obstruct the overtaking lane.

Driving Aggression

Yelling out the window, large and angry hand gestures, honking, tailgating – they’re all aggressive driving behaviours.

You might be overcome with emotion at some point and engage in one of these actions. Or, it might be part of your driving style.

Aggressive driving is dangerous. Not only are aggressors usually driving unsafely but these behaviours can trigger other mild-mannered motorists to become anxious and/or flustered.

That in itself may cause an accident. Whether there’s a slow driver in the overtaking lane, someone who didn’t indicate before a turn, or someone who’s on their mobile phone, keep your anger issues between yourself and your therapist. Keep calm and drive on.

Bad Parking

When you see someone parked badly, you want to be vengeful. They might be parked in a disabled parking space without a permit.

They may be taking up two or more stalls because they obviously think they are more important. Or, they might be parked in front of a shop with their emergency lights flashing, waiting for someone inside.

What you’d really like to do is open your door into the side of their car as revenge, but you know better. Be the bigger person.

The rules for parking apply to everyone, and shirking the law – even for just a moment – can frustrate other drivers and impede traffic flow.

It can also invoke serious and dangerous reactions from other motorists, so do the right thing and make the roads a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone.

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