Leslie Massey
When it comes to bad driving, opinions vary across Australia. While some may point to speeding, tailgating, or road rage as examples of dangerous driving, others may consider eating, texting, or driving with knees as more reckless behaviours. Regardless of the definition, it is clear that each state has its own set of challenges when it comes to road safety. With that being said, surveys and studies have indicated that certain states, such as Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia, tend to rank higher in terms of dangerous driving habits and road fatalities. However, it's important to note that dangerous driving habits and road conditions are not limited to these states alone, and that all Australian drivers admit to engaging in dodgy driving at some point.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the worst drivers | Queensland |
| Second worst state for driving | New South Wales |
| State with the highest number of car insurance claims | Victoria |
| State with the highest number of road fatalities in 2019 | New South Wales |
| State with the highest percentage of drivers admitting to reckless driving habits | South Australia |
| State with the highest number of car park accidents | South Australia |
| State with drivers most likely to eat while driving | Western Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Queensland: 66% of drivers admit to reckless driving habits
Queensland has a bad reputation when it comes to driving in Australia. In 2020, a Finder safe driver report revealed that Queenslanders are the worst when it comes to dangerous driving, with 66% of them admitting to reckless driving habits. This includes behaviours like speeding, using a mobile phone, tailgating, not using an indicator, driving too slowly, and road rage.
While Queensland recorded a decrease in the number of road fatalities in 2019, with 217 deaths compared to 263 in Victoria and 212 the previous year, the state still has a high number of road casualties. Queensland also had the third-highest number of car insurance claims over a five-year period, with 18.2% of respondents making a claim for an accident, according to a Canstar study.
The state's driving culture is so notorious that even Queenslanders themselves acknowledge the issue. One resident of Brisbane, Queensland's capital, observed another driver "managing to take up the whole road by swerving around in the middle," preventing other drivers from passing. Another person driving into Queensland from Victoria noted that the "scariest driving conditions" they encountered were on the Bruce Highway in Queensland, a sentiment echoed by another driver who witnessed "psychotic behaviour" on the same highway.
Queensland's driving habits seem to be influenced by a lack of enforcement, leading to a disregard for traffic rules. This perception is supported by statistics, as Queenslanders are among the worst offenders when it comes to eating behind the wheel, with 49% admitting to snacking while driving. Additionally, 5% of Queenslanders admitted to driving with their knees, a dangerous habit that is surpassed only by South Australians at 10%.
While Queensland has a negative reputation for driving, it is important to recognize that dangerous driving is a nationwide issue in Australia. All states and territories have their fair share of reckless drivers, and the overall trend shows a decrease in self-reported reckless driving across the country, with 59% in 2021 compared to 70% in 2017.
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NSW: highest number of road fatalities in 2019
NSW had the highest number of road fatalities in Australia in 2019, with 352 deaths recorded during the calendar year. This is despite the fact that, according to a Finder report, NSW drivers are considered the safest in the country, with 46% saying they have never done anything risky when behind the wheel.
In terms of dangerous driving habits, the report found that drivers in other states were more likely to engage in reckless behaviours such as eating, texting, applying makeup, or shaving while driving. For example, West Australians were found to be the most likely to eat while driving, with half of those surveyed admitting to this habit. South Australians were the most likely to drive using their knees, and Queenslanders had the highest rate of reckless driving habits, with 66% admitting to dangerous behaviours such as taking their eyes off the road.
While NSW had the highest number of road fatalities per capita in 2019, other states also recorded a high number of deaths. Victoria recorded 263 fatalities, Queensland had 217, Western Australia had 164, and South Australia saw a concerning 40% increase with 113 deaths.
When it comes to insurance claims for road accidents, NSW again tops the list with 32.8% of all claims, followed closely by Victoria and Queensland. However, when looking at accidents per 1000 vehicles, South Australia takes the lead with eight claims per 1000 registered vehicles.
Overall, while NSW had the highest number of road fatalities in 2019, it is worth noting that dangerous driving habits and accident rates vary across different states and territories in Australia.
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South Australia: worst for car park accidents and reversing
While opinions vary on which state has the worst drivers in Australia, South Australia has been flagged for its slow drivers and its high number of car park accidents and reversing issues.
South Australia recorded the largest increase in road deaths in 2019, with 113 fatalities, a 40% increase from the previous year. South Australians have also been called out for driving with their knees, with 10% of those surveyed admitting to this dangerous habit.
In terms of car park accidents, the South Australian suburb of Firle topped the list for the highest rate of car park incidents. From 2008 to 2023, 40% of car insurance claims in Firle were for car park accidents. This is consistent with the finding that South Australia had the second-highest number of car insurance claims over a five-year period, with 17.8% of respondents making a claim for an accident.
Reversing accidents are a common occurrence in car parks, and in most cases, the driver who is reversing is considered responsible for any accident. However, there are exceptions, as sometimes, impatient drivers may rush into parking spots without paying attention to reversing vehicles, which can result in liability for the accident.
Overall, while South Australia may have a reputation for slow and relaxed driving, it also faces challenges with car park accidents and reversing issues, contributing to a higher number of insurance claims in the state.
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Western Australia: most likely to eat behind the wheel
While opinions vary on which state has the worst drivers in Australia, with Queensland, New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, and South Australia all receiving votes, Western Australia stands out for one particular bad driving habit. According to a survey by Finder, West Australians are the most likely to eat behind the wheel, with half of those surveyed admitting to snacking while driving. This habit is not only dangerous, as it takes the driver's attention off the road, but it is also illegal in Western Australia, with fines of up to $400.
The same survey also revealed other risky driving habits among Australians, including texting, making calls, smoking, dealing with children in the backseat, and applying makeup. Overall, 59% of Australians admitted to engaging in reckless behaviour on the road in 2021, down from 70% in 2017.
While Western Australians may be the most likely to eat while driving, other states have their own bad driving habits. For example, South Australians are the most likely to drive using their knees, with 10% admitting to this practice compared to 5% in Queensland. South Australians are also the most likely to have an accident in a car park and are notorious for slow and self-occupied driving. Queenslanders, meanwhile, have a reputation for reckless driving, with 66% admitting to dangerous habits like speeding and tailgating.
When it comes to road safety, it's important to remember that any death or injury is one too many. All Australian drivers can improve their habits and make the roads safer for everyone.
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Victoria: highest number of car insurance claims over the past 5 years
While there are varying opinions on which state has the worst drivers in Australia, Victoria has recorded some alarming statistics. According to a five-year study by Canstar, Victoria had the highest number of car insurance claims in the country over the past five years. A concerning 18.2% of respondents from Victoria made a claim for an accident, surpassing other states. This data suggests that Victorian drivers may be more prone to accidents or road incidents, contributing to the state's less-than-stellar driving reputation.
When examining the broader context of driving in Victoria, several factors come into play. Firstly, Victoria recorded a notable increase in road fatalities in 2019, with 263 deaths compared to 212 the previous year. This raises concerns about road safety and highlights the urgency to address dangerous driving habits in the state.
Additionally, in a Finder Safe Driving Report from 2021, Victorian drivers admitted to engaging in risky behaviours while driving. The report revealed that a significant number of Victorian drivers participated in activities such as eating, texting, or making calls while behind the wheel. These distractions can significantly increase the risk of accidents and contribute to the high number of insurance claims in the state.
It is worth noting that dangerous driving habits are not unique to Victoria. The same Finder report showed that drivers across Australia engaged in similar risky behaviours. For instance, West Australians were found to be most likely to eat while driving, and South Australians admitted to driving with their knees.
While Victoria leads in insurance claims, other states also have their challenges. Queensland, for example, has been noted for reckless driving, with a high percentage of drivers admitting to dangerous habits. South Australia and Western Australia have also been mentioned for their fair share of driving infractions.
In conclusion, while Victoria's high number of car insurance claims over the past five years is a concerning statistic, it is important to recognise that dangerous driving is a widespread issue across Australia. Addressing these issues through education, enforcement, and road safety initiatives is crucial to creating a safer environment for all road users, regardless of state boundaries.
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Frequently asked questions
There are varying opinions on which state has the worst drivers in Australia. Some sources claim that Queensland has the worst drivers, with a large number of people admitting to reckless driving habits. Others claim that New South Wales (NSW) has the worst drivers, with the highest number of road fatalities in 2019 and the most car insurance claims. South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia are also mentioned as having bad drivers.
Bad or reckless driving can include a range of behaviours such as speeding, using a mobile phone, tailgating, not using indicators, driving too slowly, road rage, eating, texting, applying makeup, shaving, or being distracted by children while driving.
Yes, according to a survey by car insurer Budget Direct in 2015, 36% of respondents named NSW as the state with the worst drivers, followed by Queensland (21%) and Victoria (20%). Interestingly, 54% of NSW drivers agreed that they had the worst drivers in the state.
Yes, population density and the number of people per capita can impact the perception of bad drivers in a state. For example, while NSW had the highest number of road fatalities in 2019, it also has a higher population than other states.
Yes, there is some good news. Dangerous driving has declined over time, with fewer people admitting to driving recklessly. In 2017, 70% of drivers admitted to reckless behaviour, compared to 59% in 2021. This could be due to an increase in people working from home and fewer people on the road.
