More than one quarter of Queensland parents have admitted to behaving like Homer Simpson by losing their cool with other drivers in front of their kids, new NRMA Insurance research has revealed*.
Almost 85 per cent of drivers who admitted to getting angry in front of their kids confessed to using bad language, more than 40 per cent had yelled at other drivers and around a third had used rude hand gestures.
NRMA Insurance State Manager and father of four, Brett Robinson, urged parents to stay cool, calm and collected on the road, especially as the new school year kicked-off.
"When behind the wheel, it's easy to forget kids can hear and see you when driving," he said.
"Drivers often make outbursts and behave in ways that we probably wouldn't consider normally acceptable in front of children.
"We need to set a positive example for our kids when behind the wheel and plan ahead for car trips to reduce stress and backseat antics."
NRMA Insurance research** also suggests the majority of drivers - nearly 60 per cent - said children's behaviour in the car left them feeling stressed and distracted.
"Around one in seven motorists told us they've almost crashed while nearly one in five had swerved out of their lane because they were distracted by children's antics in the back seat**," Mr Robinson said.
"If drivers are already feeling stressed and distracted by the behaviour of children in their car it's not surprising that they are losing their cool in front of their kids."
The research indicates siblings fighting and children interfering with the driver are main causes of distraction.
"Although seemingly innocent, this behaviour can easily take a driver's concentration away from the road. We encourage parents and carers to take steps to ensure children do not create distractions in the car," Mr Robinson said. "Having games and activities on hand as well as food and drink can keep kids entertained, which will help parents remain calm behind the wheel."
** Research undertaken by Woolcott Research [October, 2007] ** *Research undertaken by Woolcott Research [March, 2005]
