Road rage: new study reveals most annoying Belgian driving habits

A new report on drivers' behaviour in Wallonia, the latest road cohabitation barometer from the Walloon Road Safety Agency (AWSR), shows that aggressive driving is still a major problem.

Almost eight out of 10 Walloon residents today consider road cohabitation to be problematic, according to the barometer, almost identical to the figure for 2024 (82%).

At the same time, 76% of users feel that drivers are more aggressive on the road than elsewhere, a perception that has risen slightly.

There was also a rise in certain aggressive behaviours, RTBF reports, with 53% of Walloon drivers admitting to having made inappropriate gestures or reactions in traffic in the last month.

The most exasperating behaviours, according to the survey, include illegal parking, even to the detriment of other road users (cited as a major frustration by 81% of survey respondents); overtaking on the motorway and then pulling in too close (80%); failing to use indicators when changing lanes (79%); occupying the central lane on the motorway when the right-hand lane is free (76%); and failing to indicate when leaving a roundabout (72%).

For one in two drivers surveyed, experience with aggressive drivers are synonymous with stress and irritation.

One in five users mentioned mental or physical fatigue related to aggression on the road and 17% of users said they were afraid to travel because of aggressive behaviour, a figure that is increasing (15% in 2024).

The effect on mobility is measurable: 6% of Walloons say they have given up a mode of transport, especially soft modes such as cycling or scooters, which are often perceived as more vulnerable to road incivility.

In light of the findings, AWSR is launching an awareness campaign throughout the month of March with the aim of reminding people of a few basic rules that promote more peaceful traffic.