If you’ve noticed that other motorists aren’t as friendly on our roads, you’re not alone. New research from Compare the Market has revealed that 12.7 million adults have witnessed a road rage incident in Australia.

The alarming figure means that two-thirds (62%) of Australia’s adult population have been subjected to anger, violence, fury and insults on the roads. But which state has the most irate drivers?

While Queensland is known as the sunshine state, the comparison website’s January survey of 1,005 people found that it’s also where you’re most likely to experience aggressive or angry drivers in Australia.

More than two-thirds of Queenslanders (67.7%) report that they’ve witnessed road rage, compared to just 47.1% of ACT drivers – the lowest rate in the country. And, in another victory that New South Wales can claim over Queensland, their occurrence of road rage is below the national average (at 57.3%)

Meanwhile, Victoria and Western Australia aren’t too far behind Queensland, boasting higher-than-average road rage incidents (at 66% and 64.8%). It’s lower in Tasmania (52.4%), the Northern Territory (55.6%) and South Australia (58.6%).

Compare the Market’s General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor says it’s surprising that so many Australians have witnessed road rage.

“Whether you’ve been sworn at, honked at, tailgated or more, these acts of road rage can be frightening and distracting for any driver,” Mr Taylor says. “The last thing we want to see is motorists being involved in accidents or ending up on the wrong side of the law because their anger got the better of them.

“If you’re taking your eyes off the road in any way, it could increase your risk of an accident or injury, while abuse and violence can be a criminal offence.”

Males are slightly more likely than women to witness road rage (63.70% compared to 60.70%), While Gen Z has come out on top as the generation most likely to experience wrath on the roads. Less than a quarter of Zoomers say they’ve never witnessed road rage, compared to more than half of Baby Boomers over 65 (51%).

“We know that younger drivers do face higher car insurance premiums because they have less experience on the roads and are seen as riskier by insurers,” Mr Taylor says. “It’s very likely that this lack of driving experience could play a role in why younger generations are more likely to witness fury and anger on the roads. However, it’s important to know that road rage is felt across the board and is never acceptable – no matter your age or experience.

“Road rage acts like speeding, abuse, tailgating and even changing lanes erratically are all considered punishable offences, so think twice before letting your anger take over.”

Behind Zoomers, Millennials aged between 25 and 34 are most likely to be involved in road rage (69.10%), followed closely by Gen X (66.90%).

Mr Taylor says while the behaviours of other motorists can be triggering, it’s best to keep your cool in these prickly situations.

“While we can’t always control the behaviour of others, retaliating to road rage could make a bad situation even worse,” Mr Taylor says. “Instead, take note of the vehicle’s registration details and file a report with the police as soon as possible.

“Also record any other details that may help with your report, such as where the incident occurred, the time of the road rage, a visual description of the driver and their car, any witnesses and any damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself or any other passengers.”

Mr Taylor’s dos and don’ts when it comes to road rage.

For more information, please contact:  

Phillip Portman | 0437 384 471 | [email protected]

Compare the Market is a comparison service that takes the hard work out of shopping around. We make it Simples for Australians to quickly and easily compare and buy home and contents, car, pet and travel insurance along with energy products from a range of providers. Our easy-to-use comparison tool helps you look for a range of products that may suit your needs and benefit your back pocket.