These Are the Most Common Swear Words in Traffic

The most commonly used terms in Austrian road traffic are "idiot" or "complete idiot" (19%), and the human buttocks are also very popular (17%). In a recent survey on conflicts in road traffic, the prevention institution KFV also determined what angers people the most in traffic situations. However, the more crucial question was: Through which measures can conflicts be eliminated?

Increase in Tensions in Road Traffic

Over two-thirds (70%) of the 2,260 respondents believe that tensions in road traffic have increased in the last five years. Reasons cited include increased stress as well as inattention and distraction. Conflicts are most commonly perceived between car and bicycle riders (68%), car and car drivers (55%), and car and e-scooter riders (44%). According to the respondents, the biggest change on Austria's roads in the last five years is: "There are more and more different types of bicycles on the road." A total of 92 percent of the 2,260 respondents believe that this is either "completely true" (52%) or "rather true" (40%).

What the "different types of bicycles" are about is explained by Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Robatsch, Head of Traffic Safety at KFV: "For e-scooters, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and similar vehicles, the same behavioral regulations apply according to the StVO as for conventional bicycles, provided they do not exceed a certain power and design speed. Considering that all these sometimes quite different vehicles are moving simultaneously on the same routes today, this perception cannot be dismissed. Unfortunately, conflicts also occur repeatedly," explains the expert.

Most Common Annoyances in Road Traffic: Weaving Through and Riding on the Sidewalk

The potential for accident prevention with bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters is high, as the number of injured among these road users is rising. In 2024, around 45,000 people were injured and 39 killed. An increase in fatalities is expected in 2025. The goal of the Austrian traffic safety strategy of a maximum of 310 fatalities in road traffic by the end of the year is also unlikely to be achieved, as forecasts are at 369 fatalities. Conflicts in road traffic can worsen the situation, so it is important to remain calm.

Which annoying behaviors are most frequently observed by respondents (multiple answers were possible)? It does not matter whether these behaviors are still within the legal framework. Among drivers, it is most often criticized that they drive faster than allowed (66%), do not signal (62%), or enter the intersection on yellow (59%). Cyclists, on the other hand, are most frequently observed riding on the sidewalk (52%), weaving through traffic (52%)—which is the only permitted annoyance—or not giving a hand signal when turning (51%).

The Most Common Insults in Traffic

Some people do not leave their anger in traffic conflicts unvoiced but express it loudly. Very harsh insults are sometimes used. The most commonly used insult is "idiot" or "complete idiot" (19%), according to the KFV survey (see graphic). However, great caution is advised when using any insults, warns Dipl.-Ing. Robatsch: "Anyone who insults a person in public in front of several, that is, at least three people, can make themselves liable to prosecution. Or the insulted may feel so offended or annoyed that it increases the risk of an accident. Sometimes verbal violence turns into physical violence. Therefore, it is important to contribute to calming a conflict situation with a measured reaction, rather than escalating it further."

It is essential to prevent conflicts from the outset to avoid outbursts of anger. "More mindfulness and mutual consideration for others generally contribute to better coexistence. An appropriate speed adapted to the respective situation is also a behavior that all road users should adhere to," explained the expert. Additionally, an improvement in traffic infrastructure is necessary in Austria, such as wider bike paths or the expansion of a bike infrastructure separated from car traffic.

List of the Most Common Insults in Traffic

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This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.