New research shows 54% of drivers feel less safe on the road

New research shows more than half of Australian motorists in major metropolitan areas feel less safe on roads due to traffic congestion.

Comparethemarket.com.au, an Australian car insurance quote comparison website, surveyed 1110 motorists in metro areas to see how safe commuters felt on the roads.

The findings reveal that 94% of respondents have seen an increase in traffic congestion within their city in the last two years, and 54% feel less safe on the roads as a consequence.

Among those who have seen an increase in traffic, more Melbourne drivers (61%) admit to feeling less safe on the roads than drivers in any city. Brisbane rank second, with 57% experiencing an increase in traffic and feeling uneasiness on the roads.

Almost two fifths (38%) of motorists have seen a rise in traffic congestion equally throughout the CBD, inner city and suburbs of their cities. That same percentage of people say they have missed meetings, appointments, flights or entertainment and sporting events due to traffic congestion.

The survey asked respondents what they thought was the biggest cause of the increased traffic congestion, and 54% blame population growth and new housing.

“It’s concerning to see that a significant number of motorists don’t feel safe on their roads, as this could impact their confidence levels behind the wheel and potentially increase their chances of an accident. Traffic congestion is an inevitable part of driving in Australia, and research suggests congestion problems on our roads will only continue to get worse, with commuters spending an average of 4.5 hours a week commuting,” comparethemarket.com.au spokesperson Rod Attrill says.

Attril says it is important for motorists to be fully protected and prepared in the event of an accident.

Car congestion results: Whether motorists have seen an increase in traffic congestion in their city in the last two years

Car congestion results: What respondents think is the biggest cause of increased traffic congestion, among those who have seen traffic congestion growing in their city