Road users pet peeves probed
The states peak motoring organisation is calling on Queenslanders to nominate the most frustrating road user habits through the clubs Pet Peeves survey.
RACQ traffic and safety executive manager John Wikman said even though most road users obeyed the road rules, they needed to be aware that unsafe or inconsiderate behaviour could have a dramatic effect on others.
The Pet Peeves survey not only provides an outlet for the community to tell us what gets under their skin, but also helps make road users more conscious of their own behaviour, Mr Wikman said.
We are all very quick to judge on the road but we need to remember that care, courtesy and consideration are important attributes for safe and efficient road use.
RACQs Pet Peeves survey is not just for motorists - pedestrians, cyclists, motorbike riders and truck drivers also are encouraged to contribute. The survey asks Queenslanders to rate on a scale of one (not concerned at all) to five (very concerned) a range of behaviours regularly committed by different road user groups.
Mr Wikman said the RACQs last survey of driver behaviour (2006s What Cheeses you Off?), revealed that tailgating was Queenslands number one pet peeve on the road.
Tailgating is a dangerous and aggressive habit, which is reflected in nose-to-tail crashes being a major source of motor insurance claims, Mr Wikman said.
But there are many other driving habits that frustrate Queenslanders, such as talking or texting on mobile phones while driving, not indicating when changing lanes, and throwing litter from a moving vehicle.
The survey results will be passed to the relevant authorities, so they can better target their enforcement and education programs.
The 2009 Pet Peeves survey is open to all Queensland road users RACQ members and non-members alike. Survey results will be published in the October-November edition of The Road Ahead.
