Talking or texting on mobile phones has been voted the most frustrating driver behaviour among Queensland motorists.

It’s one of the most deadly too, prompting calls for tougher penalties.

Max Shochet reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It’s a common thing for Queensland motorists to see other drivers talking and texting on their phone.

Vox 1: “I’ve used my mobile phone before, on quiet roads, nothing busy for that.”

And according to a new survey by the RACQ, it’s now the most frustrating driver habit.

Lauren Ritchie, RACQ Spokesperson: “Look, it really is a sign of the times. We believe people are so attached to their mobile phone devices, it looks like they can’t even detach behind the wheel.”

A common habit that can turn deadly on our roads.

Dr Ross Blackman, Researcher, CARRS-Q: “It’s very difficult to identify in a lot of crashes where phone use has been a factor in crashes, but we know that it is and increasingly it’s a problem.”

Distraction is now among the top five causes of accidents in Queensland.

This has led some to question if the current punishment is enough.

Vox 2: “I think texting while driving should be automatic loss of license, because it’s just so dangerous.”

Vox 3: “Whether they do a six demerit points first offence, really make it serious so people will stop using them.”

The RACQ agrees tougher punishments are the way forward.

Lauren Ritchie, RACQ spokesperson: “So if we can have more police to up that risk of getting caught, but also look at the penalties and perhaps make them harsher so people are less likely to do it in the first place.”

Along with mobiles phones, drivers not indicating, not using roundabouts properly and tailgaters all ranked in the top 10.

Max Shochet, QUT News.