most people are unpleasant..wether they drive or not..

Not sure how roads are there but here in Ontario Canada they are bad people constantly running stop signs and red lights. I also believe my city is considered one of the top rated bad places to drive

I would know zero about driving in Australia. And it's hard to generalize from country to country without having direct experience. Maybe defensive driving course for a woman? This would address problems she had to deal with.

I agree more rude, impatient people on the roads today. I hate when I let someone merge & they can't acinowledge a thank you. I hate how some people tailgate you and my pet hate. When you are supposed to be doing 40 in a roadworks area and drivers get impatient wth you. Either tailgate you or abuse you. If radar set up on these areas would make a killing rather than hide trying to catch someone going a little faster up or down a hill.

In Sydney they tend to speed, tailgate you if they can't pass you, They brake very suddenly if they have to stop after speeding. Having travelled in Sydney I noticed it quite a few times,

I agree that there are more ignorant drivers on the roads now. Not enough for me to give up driving just yet, but if anyone is afraid to be out there they should give it up. Otherwise they'll be so jumpy and will likely overreact to something and cause an accident themselves.

only one problem here , DONT WORRY

There are more rude people on the roads these days but certainly all.

That happens every where people these days are just plain ignorant. I was broken down on the side of the road with my kids and no one stoped to see if I was ok or needed a hand it was just lucky that I had charge on my fone and that my dad also drove past

Motorcycles are the worst. Speeding and make terrible noises. Police need to fine them more. Cannot stand the riders, they are real pricks.Edited 28-Sep-24 21:19pm

No one ever said it was literally everyone, it's hyperbole, why are you taking it so personally?

I totally agree. Not everyone is an arsehole on the road.

My experience is the same as yours, Paula. I am a Victorian but find N.S.W. drivers to be far less agressive than we are, and more likely to pull into the other lane to let you pass.

I believe the overall problem is that many people do not show consideration to others.

Generallising is never accurate. Yesterday, I was pushed off the road by a semi when it overtook. The driver seemed to be angry with me for holding him up. It was the car in front going slow and I had overtaken when he must have wanted to go first. He'd been tailgating me, less than a car length behind at 90kmh, and we were on a country road. Obviously not all truck drivers are this awful.

I agree Obviously this Lady if focused on the negatives

Here's a thought One day You may need to change lanes and the other driver will remember that once someone gave them the opportunity to change lanes, of course they won't know it was you, so they will let you in and don't forgte to give them a Cheery Wave! "Courtesy IS Catching." Try it!

The "Driven" motoring magazine section of today's New Zealand Herald newspaper had the results of "The Great Kiwi Driver Survey". Among results: How would you rate the general driving standard in New Zealand? 0% Excellent 5% Very Good 50% Average/OK 38% Poor 6% Very Poor Worst Driving Habits (worst at top): 1. Distracted driving (e.g. using a phone) 2. Not keeping left unless passing 3. Tailgating 4. Not indicating in general 5. Running red lights 6. Road rage 7. Speeding 8. Driving below the speed limit (too slow) 9. Not merging properly 10. Not indicating correctly at roundabouts 11. Queue-jumping

Most drivers are great, if they let you in to their lane then ioen thw window and give them a friendly wave and then when someone needs to get into your lane let them in, its not going to make the journey any quicker if you don't. The people who really get up my nose are those who think the Speed Limits don't apply to them and think you should get out of their way by flashing their lights, honking like the pigs they are. I am now no longer in my youth - many decades past it! - but I can still drive to suit the conditions, drive at the speed limit as often as possible and when stopped at Traffic lights I move on as quickly as possible when the light turns Green which makes it possible for those behind me to get through as well. Be Polite, Be Friendly and indicate "Thank You" when someone helps you change lanes etc.. It costs nothing!

I agree with you, Paula, but then I live on an island off the coast of WA state! And, I don't do much driving anymore but I, like you, am a very courteous driver, letting others go first, letting people walking cross first, and wave a Thank You if someone lets me into traffic, or lets me go first. Do unto others, right? ;-D

most drivers in rural areas are well behaved

I grew up overseas, lived in Sydney, Adelaide and currently in Melbourne. I say driving in Sydney is my first preference. There are drivers being rude, dumb and bad behaviour everywhere. But I still think Sydney drivers are overall better than many. I’m very lucky to have experienced different places, able to compare & have more perspectives.

Tailgaters are a menace. I use the M4 tunnel and couple of weeks back a tow truck tailgated me from entrance to exit. All I could see was windscreen in my mirror. Wife was a little terrorized by it. Managed to get plate details and visited local police. Was told vehicle is a company vehicle and unless they give drivers details nothing they can do. Going to buy a dash cam for rear and make up a sign.SMILE YOU ARE ON CANDID CAMERA. I did think about putting a dummy camera there and switch on dash that I could put on a red light indicating Recording in action.

You always see some crazy driving the more you are on the roads . l don't drive of late but in the taxis I take mostly local, we don't have many issues. As a pedestrian cars always stop for me to cross the street which ever part I am on ;) Edited 28-Sep-24 15:31pm

Age has a lot to do with tolerance on the road young or old . There are a lot of seniors who need there license as they lack family or friends to get around and public transport can be hard for the age . A car is like a weapon it can take a life at any moment so we all need to be safe and take all situations into consideration when on the road and if you have had a hard or bad day find some where on foot to cool off /calm down before you get behind the wheel of the car even tiredness catch a few zzz before heading off .Be safeEdited 28-Sep-24 15:03pm

I'm with you. I always acknowledge drivers for acknowledging something I've done and vice versa. Although there have been many times when the little devil on my left shoulder wants to come out and say something but the little angel on my right shoulder always wins. I normally try and think what certain drivers are going to do before they do it. I do often say that the driver must be in a hurry for their own funeral or they must be very rich to pay for their fines and damages as well as mine. In the long run it really isn't that hard to be nice.

Yes, fully agree, and I also believe that NSW drivers are more courteous than other states in Australia.

Yep I agree with you. Some are unpleasant, and thoughtless (like me) But most are good.

I haven't driven in over 4 years, ever since I broke my right leg in 2020. Fortunately, my husband is willing to drive me to my doctor appointments, etc.He asked me when I was going to drive again, I said "When I have to". So, anyways, I don't really know if other drivers have gotten ruder, I do know that my husband swears at other drivers more than before!

Similar, lucky I don't live in a big city anyways.

Maybe she's a terrible driver and so it's all in reaction to her. My mother complains people always pull out in front of her, but she drives really slowly and hesitates a lot.

I walk to fit in my excercize

Actually I find the vast majority of drivers selfish as if their lives matter more than anyone else's. This gives birth to the gestures and pushing in and honking. The nice drivers are in the minority these days. I will always wave to thank someone for being a courteous driver and stop if I see someone may need help. The more vehicles on the road the more people get stressed and selfish they become.Edited 28-Sep-24 14:01pm

Yes, there is good and bad drivers everywhere, people loose there patience too quickly

There's good and there's bad. Too many distractions in their cars (phones) and too many cars on the road and too many road work closures everybody in too much of a hurry.

The roads are getting very busy and you're bound to get idiots driving madly, just ignore them and let them be the next statistic.

this is true about everyone and everything, you never know who you will cross hairs with so I am pleasant about everything and everyone I meet,no matter the reaction I am polite and courteous

I do feel that a lot of our newer arrivals come from parts of the world much denser and rougher in their driving habits. Perhaps it would be a good idea that all immigrants to Australia should do a refresher course on how they are expected to behave traffic wise in Australia before being allowed to take up an Australian driving licence.

I agree with you. Here, where I live, drivers do all of the things that you listed as being bad. I too tend to drive the speed limit as much as I can and it makes so many people upset they just speed up and pass me. If the speed limit is 50kph they go by at at least 70kpm. I wish the cops would cut their coffee and doughnut breaks a little shorter and ticket these fools.

Don't engage

You can't paint everyone the same - yes there are some selfish people driving cars but there are also people who give you waves to either thank you for making way for them or to wave you on.

IN AUCKLAND NZ MOST DRIVERS ARE PRETTY CURTIOUS.

Up to person if want to drive. They should make cheaper to go transport so more go people's used its.

definitely not all, agree with you

I do agree not all drivers are dangerous on road. They don't speed, tailgate, cut you off or being rude. They are pleasant. When you give way to them, they wave in thanks.

Hubby doesn't tailgate. In fact if some one is behind him or approaching him he pulls over to let them go and he pulls over for the truck drivers to keep them on the tar so they don't throw up rocks at us and chip our windscreen. The cities are worse for driving in as every one is in a hurry and there is definitely more traffic. Prefer travelling on the country roads even though road quality is terrible out here and away from the hoards. The more people you have the more morons you have.

I do agree with you that not all drivers are rude but a lot of them definitely are and you just have to do your best to stay calm.I listen to music and humm along which helps and sometimes you see really funny or nice stickers or number plates which makes you smile like yesterday I saw a sticker on a window that said "I hope something nice happens to you today that will make your day" which definitely made me smile.

There are certainly lots of idiots on the roads, but like anything, it's just the loud-mouthed moron minority that cause trouble for everyone else.

Yes I agree with you. Where we live which is in rural area people are often giving a wave as they drive past in the opposite direction. But when you get closer to the city area it is not quite as good some drivers are full of their own importance and they seem to think the rules of the road don't apply to them.

I think that our perception of other drivers changes with age. The drivers may have consistently been at the same level of rudeness, etc., but age we get older, our intolerance of them increases because we are tired and just want peace and quiet and wish everyone would behave.

Some times some driver are impatient. They believe they have only right to go first. Recently when I was reversing car in a car park at a shoping centre, the car behind me repeatedly horn me. I was reversing slow, of course, because I believe I will drive as per my ability and following the traffic rules. They believe if they horn it means they are right. I didn't respond. Edited 28-Sep-24 10:23am

KEEP ON THE SPEED LIMIT AND DONT WORRY ABOUT OTHER DRIVERS, YOU MIGHT HAVE THE LAST LAUGH

YEP, too many people are too quick to complain, we should spend a little time checking the mirror to see what others see. Might end up a more pleasant place

Some drivers take no notice of signs for speed or stopping at a crossing, they just drive straight through.

Some drivers are very patient

I don't react to rudeness or tailgaters, and I find that if I hand-wave, I usually get a hand-wave back.

I have driven in Sydney many years ago, and it was much safer than in the US at that time. It may have changed since then. Here in the US, people seem to be more nice than naughty! LOL They will let you in if you're stuck for a long while in traffic. Of course, others don't. I have become better at getting upset with other drivers, and my driving experience is much more pleasant. It's your attitude that sets the tone for how you view other drivers. Be empathetic. You have no idea where they might be going, what might be going on in their lives, or what serious matters might be on their mind. Add to that the fact that we are human and can look for traffic coming several times, see nothing, and then pull out in front of you! I have done that myself. When I do it with a motorcycle, I cringe because cyclists no longer are required by law to wear helmets! I think that is ludicrous when I have to wear a seatbelt when I am much more protected than they are! I say a prayer for those who are dumb enough to go out without a helmet. Are they stupid, don't care or don't want to be told what to do? It's like biting your nose to spite your face! That law should NEVER have been discarded! Yes, we are human. Don't stress. Yes, they cut you off, but they will be right in front of you when you have to stop. Just laugh at how stupid that move was! Then start to sing, and follow him through the green light!

Way too many hoons on the road doing what they want. They need to get fined/jailed first time not get 20 warnings and kill someone before they are held accountable

Yes i agree some are rude but not all

those people should receive a ticket

Yes I agree with you all drivers aren't the same. But there are alot of impatient crazy ones in Sydney..

try driving in ACT....but in saying that the worst drivers that I found were Sydney and Perth

There are good and bad drivers everywhere. Even if you are a good driver you are at the mercy of all sorts of drivers. Just take care, don’t drink and drive and don’t speed Just do the right thing.

Nothing to say but just share the road. Do not hog. And you will be a legend.

I don’t drive but when I am a passenger I do notice that many people who give in to road rage and yell at other drivers and overly frustrated while driving make the exact same mistakes the other drivers are making or worse and they laugh about their wrong doing and it’s the end of the world when it happens to them. Even worse they yell and scream with the windows rolled up! Now that’s telling em’ mean while me and other passengers are going deaf or feeling like today would have been a nice day for a walk.

Try driving on the M1 from Gold Coast to Brisbane. It's a nightmare and always blocked with crashes these days. Friends took 2 hours to get from Cleveland, 20 mins south of Brisbane, to Surfers Paradise on Friday, a trip that should only take 45 mins!!

Some of the people that complain about tailgaters should think about what they are doing to set off the tailgaters. For example, are you in the passing lane driving at what you consider to be a comfortable speed. The passing lane is for passing. If some other vehicle is going faster than you get out of the way and let the police deal with how fast they are going. You are not there to regulate anyone else's speed except your own. Following the rules of the road would lessen the amount of nastiness on the road. Being situationally aware (all drivers) would eliminate much of the unpleasantness. Some people are just having bad days - let's not exacerbate things by aggravating them unnecessarily. BTW, it's not just Sydney with road ragers. They seem to be everywhere - every country.

Don't drive in Sydney don't know.

Compared to driving in Auckland I find driving in Sydney a pleasure. The main road through Auckland (laughingly called a 'motorway') is a nightmare due to selfish, inconsiderate and just plain stupid drivers.

Thanks life! I have been driving for over 50 years and have met all types of drivers.

Yes I agree with you Paula its the same in victoria there are some that tailgate and some that honk but must are good and if I am going a bit slow and there is nothing coming I will indercate to the driver its safe to pass me and most will wave to thank me

Good and bad in all walks of life

GOOD DAY

I do not live in Sydney, I live in West Virginia, however, no matter where you live there is going to be people driving who should not be driving and make it difficult on the ones who drive safely is my opinion. However, you sound like an extremely pleasant driver whom I would love to share the road with. Thank you for making life easier on the other drivers.

I don’t live in Sydney so I can’t comment on the drivers there. I am sure that most drivers are pleasant and do the best that they can. A few years ago, my husband and I witnessed some road rage when we were travelling. It is important for drivers to stay calm when they are driving. Tailgating can make driving difficult as can being thwarted in any attempts to safely pass a vehicle.

The fools on the road always stand out.

sure

Most drivers are considerate but when I get one up behind me, I JUST SLOW UP AND LET YHEM GET MADER.

Most drivers are considerate but there are a lot of idiots out there that pull out in front of you & then give you the fingers even though it is them that nearly causes an accident

I agree with you Paula that most drivers are considerate. However, road rage exists for some people so you need to be mindful of it as well.

I don't drive, never have so am speaking as a "back seat driver" and quite agree with you, there are still some decent people around and courtesy is a 2way street, my son always obeys the rules and if some acknowledges his courtesy towards him ie lets them in and they waves a thank you he waves back and vice versa.

Sorry but I somewhat agree with the other lady. Sydney and Melbourne do have a lot of road ragers. Brisbane is now starting to catch up with the bad behaviour. Impatience, peak traffic, poor decisions, risk taking and rudeness all seem to play apart. Consideration is a poor second best.

We live in a national regional park on the outskirts of a city, a 15 min drive to a small shopping centre, the road is still waiting for repairs after the cyclone, and young hoons still us it for a race track as it offers challenging manoeuvres around the windy roads, this has caused a few irate locals, however overall we do respect each other. Driving in city traffic during peak hours can be stressful, as some drivers are always in a hurry, we avoid this…

Hi TY Beverly l

Not all drivers are rude but, there are a lot of careless drivers on all roads around the world. People's attitudes have changed for the worst. I live in New Zealand

My only issue is the big four wheel drives and utes. They stick out of parking spaces, you can't see pass them if you are turning, and for some reason they think they're invincible once they're in the front seat.

Yes I agree I am in New Zealand

yeah

Absolutely agree! It's the same here in the US.

agree with you , the way to be, we have at times here in usa . i just keep driving..

I rarely encounter any issues on the road.

I've never been to Australia, but yes, I agree, even here in the United States. I try always to be a courteous driver.

Thats like saying that everyone who calls a talk back radio show are a few sandwiches short of a picnic. Wait...thats actually true..lol

I try to be pleasant. Depends on the day, and the circumstances. Usually let the person merge in unless they have been rude first.

If I had to drive in Sydney I'd probably feel the same way!

Yes

You must remember that Australia is a continent whose governments were founded by convicted criminals. They do have some silly laws like not voting gets you a whopping big fine and/or 30 days in the local coolers! My cousin's son skipped the polls many years ago and paid the price- and he was an American citizen working in Australia as an oceanographer on the Great Reef.

Don't drive anymore

I agree with you. Considering the amount of drivers on the road, it is a very small percentage who do these sort of things.

I DON'T DRIVE I AM JUST THE FLIPPER OFFER LOL.