Survey Finds Over Half Of Australians Engage In Risky Driving Practices

A recent study by Finder has exposed the most dangerous areas to drive in New South Wales.

The survey gathered responses from 1,090 participants and found that 56 per cent of Australians admitted to engaging in risky driving practices.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:

The finding has also found that one in ten respondents confessed to texting while driving.

While nearly nine per cent of respondents confessed actively using social media behind the wheel. 

The study has uncovered that about seven per cent of respondents watch TV shows or movies while driving, and an equal percentage change clothes while operating their vehicles.

Gary Hunter, a car insurance expert at Finder, expressed deep concern over the research findings.

“New technologies and busy lifestyles have brought on an increase in reckless habits like texting while driving,” Mr Hunter said.

“Driving a vehicle requires undivided attention, but more and more people are driving blind,” he said.

According to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), more than 100 people are killed in car crashes each month.

In New South Wales (NSW), there have been 289 fatalities due to road accidents since March 2022.  

According to the report by Finder, the Central Coast area has emerged as the most dangerous LGA for driving in NSW, causing at least 57 live loss on the road since 2017. 

Canterbury-Bankstown followed closely with the highest percentage of minor, moderate, and serious vehicle injuries in the state, where 3,783 individuals suffered injuries on its roads during the past five years. 

Blacktown has been ranked third, with at least 2,723 people injured or killed in vehicle incidents in the same timeframe.

“Some drivers treat their cars like their second home, putting other road users at risk attending to tasks which should be reserved for the bathroom or kitchen,” Mr Hunter said.

“Drivers can cop fines and even prosecution if they have a crash and it is determined they were distracted.”

Hosted by Sacha Barbour, This Arvo in Sydney is a 10 to 12 minute daily news podcast made just for Sydney! Listen now on the Listnr app.