Dangerous Groups On The Road: The Generation Blame Game

GIO's latest research has found drivers believe the most dangerous groups driving on our roads are those at the opposite end of the age spectrum to them.

GIO spokesperson Duncan Bone said the research found one of young drivers' top concerns on the road was older drivers– and vice versa.

"Over 60 percent of drivers aged 18-24 rated older drivers as the most dangerous group on the road.

"Amongst drivers 50 and over, younger drivers were in the top two most dangerous groups at 52%, closely trailing cyclists at 57%.

Cyclists were rated the most dangerous group across the board, with 54 percent putting them into that category.

"We believe a lot of drivers feel this way because of the threat posed to cyclists on the road with their lack of protection, as much as their capacity to cause an accident, as suggested by our other research."

GIO spokesperson Duncan Bone said the research highlighted the way people categorised risks on our roads.

"Driving is one of the most dangerous activities many of us undertake on a regular basis. It pays to be mindful of both ourselves and others on the road.

"Ultimately the only actions we can control are our own. The rest comes down to the trust we place in others - regardless of what they drive or how old they are – on the road."

Research summary:

Older drivers are rated as the most dangerous group by both 18-24 year old drivers (61% agreed), and those aged 25-49 years (54% agreed).

Only 32% of drivers aged 50 and over said older drivers were dangerous.

Most drivers were also kind enough to rate their own age group as a lesser danger on the road, at 36% of younger drivers (aged 18-24 years) and 32% for older drivers (aged 50+ years).

The usual bug bears received some of the lowest ratings - four-wheel drives (33%), pedestrians (25%) and learner drivers (30%).

Half of all drivers nationally rate P-platers as the most dangerous on the road.

Middle of the road groups included truck drivers –thought to be dangerous by 38 % of people, with motorcyclists (44 %) and taxi drivers (45%) also considered a significant danger on the roads.

(1) Newspoll Market & Social Research conducted an independent internet survey on behalf of GIO Insurance of 3,740current drivers , 18 years of age and older, across all states and territories in 2011. Collected data has been weighted in line with current ABS population demographics to ensure any extrapolation of results is representative of age sex and area.

GIO General Ltd offers and issues different types of cover for your car including Comprehensive Car Insurance, Third Party Property Damage with or without a fire and theft extension. It also offers cover for commercial vehicles. For more information please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording at the GIO website or call us for a copy on 13 10 10.