A recent study has identified South Africa as one of the world’s most stressful countries for drivers, placing eighth in the top 10.
Driving can be a stressful experience, influenced by factors often beyond our control – from poor road infrastructure to the availability of electric charging points. In fact, global searches for “stress while driving” have surged by +100% over the past 12 months. With so many potential stressors, which countries are the most challenging to drive in?
To find out, the car insurance comparison experts at Compare the Market AU analysed various factors, including electric charger availability, average congestion, and accident rates, to reveal the most stressful countries for drivers.
Romania ranks as the most stressful country for drivers, with a score of 50.96. The country had the worst congestion rate (55%) among all those analysed. Romania’s notorious lack of highways contributes to this congestion. The country also scored the lowest for road quality in the top 10, with a score of just 3 out of 7.
The top 10 most stressful countries for drivers
Rank
Country
Avg Congestion (%)
Road Quality
Fatality Rate per 100 000
Motor Thefts per 100 000
Electric Car Chargers
Max Speed Limit (kph)
Total Score (Max 100)
1
Romania
55
3
9.6
26.6
1 972
130
50.96
2
Australia
29.9
4.9
4.5
210.2
279
130
48.376
3
United States
22.7
5.5
14.2
291.3
16 687
137
48.337
4
New Zealand
28.2
4.5
6.6
954
298
110
48.137
5
Italy
29
4.4
5
213
30 774
130
46.711
6
Bulgaria
38
3.4
8.4
22.2
334
140
44.866
7
Greece
40.5
4.6
7.3
177.1
986
130
44.098
8
South Africa
26.8
4.5
24.5
–
35
120
43.694
9
United Arab Emirates
16.8
6
5.9
5.3
261
160
43.362
10
Czechia
31.3
3.9
5.2
33
1 995
150
43.227
On a scale of 1-10, how stressed do you feel as a driver in South Africa?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
