Tired of tailgaters? Fed up with other drivers not indicating? Or jaywalkers expecting the world to look out for them? Then, its time to speak up in RACQs Pet Peeves survey.
The RACQ is again asking members to rate the road user behaviours that annoy them. RACQ traffic and safety executive manager John Wikman said the Pet Peeves survey (formerly called What Cheeses You Off) was designed to make drivers and other road users more aware of their actions.
“The main goal is to get people to assess their own driving and road habits,” Mr Wikman said. “Most motorists would probably rate their driving ability above average, yet experience suggests there is room for improvement.
“So it’s not always a case of other people being at fault – you might be complaining about something you too are guilty of. We all need to remember that care, courtesy and consideration are important attributes for safe and efficient road use.”
In Pet Peeves, members will be asked to rate various types of road user behaviour on a scale of concern from one to five, with one being ‘not concerned at all’ and five ‘very concerned’. Aggressive, impatient, competitive and inattentive behaviour will be examined. The survey is not confined to motorists – motorcycle riders, heavy vehicle drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can also have their say.
Mr Wikman said previous surveys found that tailgating was the number one annoyance for drivers. “That finding is reflected in the fact that nose-to-tail vehicle crashes are a major source of motor insurance claims,” Mr Wikman said.
Other persistent pet peeves include drivers increasing speed when being overtaken, indicating too late or not at all, bullying tactics and littering from a moving vehicle. The improper use of modern technology also riled respondents, with drivers who talk or text on hand-held mobile phones coming in for plenty of complaint.
Another sign of the times is pedestrians behaving inattentively by using mobile phones or music players when crossing the road.
Mr Wikman said the survey findings would be passed onto relevant authorities. “This is so they can better target their enforcement and education programs,” Mr Wikman said. “An example of survey feedback being to put to good use is the following distance Chevron Pavement Marking Trial on the Bruce Highway on the Bruce Highway. So members taking the time to respond can be assured it’s worth the effort.”
Have your say in the
2009 Pet Peeves survey
.
or
contact RACQ Traffic and Safety on 1300 853 658 for a survey form.
Results will be published online and in The Road Ahead.
Very few people observe the speed limits and there is an increase in aggressive driving and behaviour. I also get peeved by pedestrians who do not obey the “Walk – Don’t Walk” lights. The put their lives in danger and contribute to accidents.
This survey can be completed online at: racq.com/driversurvey