- Bessie Hassan
- Head of PR & Money Expert
- finder.com.au
- +61 402 567 568
- Bessie.Hassan@finder.com.au
Media Release
84% of Australian drivers are anxious behind the wheel
- New finder.com.au research reveals that four in five Australian drivers worry on our roads
- One in five (20%) are concerned about the financial impact of an accident
- finder.com.au urges drivers to consider protecting themselves from the cost of a crash
12 February, 2018, Sydney, Australia – New research from finder.com.au, the site that compares virtually everything, has revealed that most Australian drivers are fearful when they’re behind the wheel.
The finder.com.au survey of over 2,100 drivers found that 84% of Australians – the equivalent of 14.7 million people – have concerns on the road, particularly when it comes to factors outside of their control, including the potential financial impact of an accident.
Other drivers being reckless is the biggest fear in the nation, with over half of those surveyed (58%) citing this as a worry.
Second and third in the list of driving fears were running over a pedestrian (27%) followed by driving in bad weather (25%).
Bessie Hassan, Insurance Expert at finder.com.au, says it’s not surprising that motorists feel anxious following the number of crashes during the Christmas period.
“With yet another large road toll over the summer holidays, it’s no wonder so many Australians are worried when they’re behind the wheel. You’d be feeling more concerned about those who are overconfident drivers.”
The research found that the financial impact of having an accident (20%) is also amidst our top driving fears.
Ms Hassan says that this shows that even while driving, money worries are top of mind for Australians.
“Finances are a big cause of stress to many Aussies, and the reality is that drivers without comprehensive insurance cover could end up spending thousands to repair unexpected damage to their vehicle or others.”
Receiving a traffic infringement, driving next to a truck, having to reverse park, and teaching someone else to drive are also big fears when on the road.
3% of respondents submitted separate phobias, including the car catching on fire, other drivers using their high beam, hitting a cyclist, and tailgaters.
Ms Hassan encourages Australians to consider investing in further protection if they’re worried.
“Those concerned about the financial impact of an accident should look to comprehensive car insurance as a safety net,” she said.
The top 10 fears of Australian drivers:
| # | Fear | Percentage of Australian drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Other drivers being reckless | 58% |
| 2 | Running over a pedestrian | 27% |
| 3 | Driving in bad weather | 25% |
| 4 | Hitting an animal | 20% |
| 5 | The financial impact of an accident | 20% |
| 6 | Receiving a traffic infringement / fine | 18% |
| 7 | Driving next to a truck | 18% |
| 8 | Reverse or parallel parking | 10% |
| 9 | Teaching someone else how to drive | 4% |
| 10 | Other | 3% |
###
For further information
- Bessie Hassan
- Head of PR & Money Expert
- finder.com.au
- +61 402 567 568
- Bessie.Hassan@finder.com.au
Disclaimer
The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.
About Finder
Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.
Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.
We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.
12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel