Navigating Australia's vast and scenic roads can be a pleasure for drivers, especially for those of us who have been behind the wheel for decades and appreciate the freedom it brings. However, there's a troubling trend on the rise that's not only causing frustration but also posing a significant risk to road safety. It's a habit that many of us have likely encountered: drivers who speed up while being overtaken.

This dangerous and, indeed, illegal practice is more common than you might think, and it's stirring up quite the conversation among road safety experts and law enforcement. But what exactly is happening, and why is it such a cause for concern?

Always drive with caution especially in major roads. Image Credit: Shutterstock/China Song

The scenario is familiar: you're driving along a stretch of road, maintaining a consistent speed, and decide to overtake a slower-moving vehicle. As you begin to pass, the other driver inexplicably accelerates, turning a straightforward manoeuvre into a high-stakes game of chicken. It's not only frustrating but also incredibly hazardous, forcing you to make a split-second decision: do you exceed the speed limit to complete the overtake, or do you abandon the attempt, potentially causing confusion and disruption to the flow of traffic?

This behaviour isn't just poor etiquette; it's against the law. Across all states and territories in Australia, guidelines clearly prohibit drivers from increasing their speed when another vehicle is overtaking. Yet, despite the clear rules, many drivers either aren't aware of this law or choose to ignore it.

The reasons behind this behaviour are varied. According to Teresa Senserrick, director of the WA Centre for Road Safety Research, some drivers may speed up due to inattention or distraction, suddenly realizing a vehicle is overtaking them and reacting by accelerating. Others may feel a sense of entitlement to the road, displaying aggressive behaviour akin to bullying. This 'road rage' can escalate quickly, leading to dangerous situations and near-misses.

One such incident was recounted by Albany-based driving instructor Alex Scott, who experienced a close call while overtaking a caravan. The other driver's unexpected acceleration forced Scott into a precarious position, nearly causing an accident. This story is just one example of how this reckless behaviour can lead to serious consequences.

Despite the risks, policing this behaviour is challenging. Officers like Al McNevin, traffic unit officer-in-charge in South West WA, acknowledge that road presence is currently the most effective deterrent. However, with vast distances and limited resources, ensuring consistent police visibility is a tall order.

The upcoming Australian Road Safety conference in Tasmania will address this issue, among others, with experts like Dr. Senserrick advocating for more targeted programs to educate drivers and enforce the rules. While an increased police presence may help, it's also about changing driver attitudes and ensuring everyone understands the importance of safe and courteous driving.

Interestingly, while this behaviour is a significant annoyance to drivers, as noted by the WA Road Safety Commission's Charles Hayne, it's not a leading cause of fatal accidents. Most fatalities in regional areas result from single-vehicle crashes where drivers lose control. Nonetheless, the potential for harm when speeding up during overtaking cannot be ignored.

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So, what can we do as responsible drivers? The advice is clear: be courteous, follow the rules, and take a commonsense approach when sharing the road. If you find yourself being overtaken, maintain your speed and allow the other vehicle to pass safely. And if you're the one doing the overtaking, be vigilant and prepared for the unexpected.

Key Takeaways

• Speeding up while being overtaken on Australian roads is illegal and dangerous.
• The practice poses safety risks and remains an issue discussed among road safety experts.
• Increased police presence on roads is suggested as a method to discourage the behaviour.
• While frustrating to drivers, the phenomenon has not been a major focus for targeting by authorities compared to other causes of road fatalities.

We'd love to hear from you, our Seniors Discount Club members. Have you encountered this dangerous behaviour on the roads? How did you handle the situation? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other stay safe on our beautiful Australian roads.

 

[etphhome]

I have often, unfortunately, come across a large number of drivers who sit under the speed limit on single lane roads then speed up when you get to overtaking lanes! What is wrong with these people??

 

[Luckyus]

I have often, unfortunately, come across a large number of drivers who sit under the speed limit on single lane roads then speed up when you get to overtaking lanes! What is wrong with these people??

I reckon they are born with two dicks? they couldn't be that bloody stupid playing with one?

 

[natalielocket]

Unfortunately this happens so often. A few years ago, I was behind a truck, quite happy, but then we got behind some caravans. I and my Husband have towed caravans for years, and always let others pass. But so many caravaners travel at 80-90, but `passing lane` speed up. Truck driver was doing 130, I was behind him, and other frustrated drivers behind me. But we had followed these people for a lot of klms. On the Bruce H`way. People towing caravans and driving Motor homes, need to be taught courtesy on the roads, and slow down on passing lanes. Just flash break lights quickly, slow down, and others can pass. We often used to just about stop, to let others pass.

 

[Barbara V]

I live on a major highway 110 klms hr and a overtaking lane ends just before my property. Coming home I try to make sure no one is behind otherwise even with indicating they are too close to my tail end to pull into my property safely so I go to next turn off and come back. I've even tried slowing down to 80 hoping cars will pass on ovetaking lane ,but no they slow down too so they are still sitting right behind me. Sometimes if vehicles are a reasonable distance away I indicate early hoping they will slow but they all seem to speed up and go over the double white lines. I'm at the point of no return so I have to enter my driveway regardless hoping they don't smash into me

 

[Towing]

In the meantime the vehicle behind you decides to close the gap or even pass at the same time you do.. That is even more scary. It takes so long that you may suddenly discover you have a car travelling in the opposite side heading towards you. You can't pass, you can't slot back because other cars on your side have closed the gap and one may also be behind you. We were petrified once when thar happened fortunately the car coming from the other way was able to pull off the road. There would have been at least 3 or 4 vehicles.

 

[novezar]

In the meantime the vehicle behind you decides to close the gap or even pass at the same time you do.. That is even more scary. It takes so long that you may suddenly discover you have a car travelling in the opposite side heading towards you. You can't pass, you can't slot back because other cars on your side have closed the gap and one may also be behind you. We were petrified once when thar happened fortunately the car coming from the other way was able to pull off the road. There would have been at least 3 or 4 vehicles.

Hi Towing
Yes, I've experienced the same situation on more occasions than you want. Very scary indeed. I reckon that many others amongst us have endured the same experience. When you think about it, once on the open highway, you take your life into your own hands & hope for the best.

 

[Cheezil]

I have often, unfortunately, come across a large number of drivers who sit under the speed limit on single lane roads then speed up when you get to overtaking lanes! What is wrong with these people??

Agree, so annoying & dangerous!

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

I had this happen to me when I was on my Ls on my first motorbike. Every time I passed this particular slow moving vehicle, the bloke would speed up, pass me and then deliberately cut in front of me; happened more than once. Upsetting for me (I was still learning), frustrating for my husband who was an experienced rider on his own motorbike, having to watch the 'slow coach' (me) ......

 

[natalielocket]

Hi Towing
Yes, I've experienced the same situation on more occasions than you want. Very scary indeed. I reckon that many others amongst us have endured the same experience. When you think about it, once on the open highway, you take your life into your own hands & hope for the best.

One drives for oneself and for the idiots, also for the selfish ones, who wont let you in on a merging lane.

 

[Defiant540]

Unfortunately this happens so often. A few years ago, I was behind a truck, quite happy, but then we got behind some caravans. I and my Husband have towed caravans for years, and always let others pass. But so many caravaners travel at 80-90, but `passing lane` speed up. Truck driver was doing 130, I was behind him, and other frustrated drivers behind me. But we had followed these people for a lot of klms. On the Bruce H`way. People towing caravans and driving Motor homes, need to be taught courtesy on the roads, and slow down on passing lanes. Just flash break lights quickly, slow down, and others can pass. We often used to just about stop, to let others pass.

brake that is