Survey: Australia’s dangerous driving behaviours exposed

Young Aussie drivers are admitting to a dangerous driving habit that’s putting other motorists at risk.

Careless young woman talking on her mobile phone while driving

A new survey has revealed a worrying trend among young drivers putting other motorists at risk.

A study, conducted by iSelect, found that 73.2 per cent of drivers aged 18-24 admitted to engaging in hazardous driving behaviours while behind the wheel.

Illegal mobile phone use while driving was a particular common issue, with 26.5 per cent of Gen Z drivers admitting to taking calls without a hands-free system.

Even more concerning, the survey found younger drivers — particularly those in the Gen Z age group — were significantly more likely to use social media while driving compared to older motorists.

Drivers aged 18-24 are on social media while driving a vehicle. Picture: Mark Bean

MORE: Horror stats expose Aussie Gen Z driving fails

Despite the increasing presence of mobile phone detection cameras across Australia, a shocking 17.8 per cent of drivers aged 18-24 admitted to scrolling through social media, taking selfies, or watching videos while driving.

By contrast, only 5 per cent of drivers over 55 admitted to engaging in similar behaviours, highlighting a stark generational divide in road safety habits.

It’s no wonder the Australian government is cracking down on mobile phone use while driving.

Australia is a pioneer in phone detection camera technology, with the system having first launched in New South Wales in what the state government declared a “world-first”.

Now this technology can be found in every state and territory in Australia except for the Northern Territory and Western Australia, with steep penalties for those caught engaging with their phones while driving.

Careless young woman talking on her mobile phone while driving

Distraction from passengers was most common among drivers aged 35-44, with 24.2 per cent saying they struggled to focus due to interactions inside the car — likely a result of managing young children.

Mobile phone detection cameras are increasingly common. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Despite distractions from mobile phones and passengers, speeding was still the most common dangerous driving habit, with 41.2 per cent of Australians across all age categories admitting to having driven over the speed limit.

Adrian Bennett, General Manager of General Insurance at iSelect, says the high prevalence of dangerous driving among Australian motorists is extremely concerning and must be addressed to improve road safety.

“It’s concerning to learn that six in ten Australian drivers admit to engaging in dangerous driving behaviours, with over 40% confessing to speeding,” Mr Bennett said.

“Equally worrying, 20% of drivers have admitted to getting behind the wheel while drowsy, and at least 15% have used mobile devices while driving.

“These actions are not just hazardous to the driver themselves, but also put everyone else on the road at risk. And with road deaths last year reaching the highest level in a decade, we must address these behaviours to make our roads safer for all.”

Mr Bennett’s comments come after Australia broke an unwanted record at the end of 2024.

The nation faced its worst road safety crisis in decades with the national road death toll rising for the fourth consecutive year – the first time this has occurred since the 1960s.

Up to 1318 people died on Australian roads in 2024 despite modern vehicle safety advancements and significant investments in infrastructure.

Some drivers still don't get the message.

MORE: Shock group of Aus drivers a new death risk

The survey also revealed a clear difference in which state had the most dangerous drivers.

A staggering seven in 10 drivers living in the Australian Capital Territory admitted to at least one act of dangerous driving.

Both Queensland and Victoria followed closely behind, with 65.3 per cent and 62.3 per cent of participants, respectively, admitting to engaging in at least one dangerous driving activity.

Originally published as Survey: Australia’s dangerous driving behaviours exposed