Photos: Supplied.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has commenced a trial of new cutting-edge technology to discourage drivers following too close to the vehicle in front of them – also known as tailgating.
When an instance of tailgating is detected, a variable message sign (VMS), installed in close proximity to the detection site, will provide real-time feedback to drivers and encourage them to follow at a safe distance.
The VMS sign will alert drivers if they are ‘Too Close’ or if they’re maintaining a ‘Safe Gap’ from the vehicle in front.
Drivers will not be penalised if they are indicated to have been tailgating by the new roadside Behaviour Awareness Monitoring (BAM) detection systems.
This Australian-first trial is designed to inform and educate Queensland drivers about tailgating, and to reduce dangerous driving on Queensland roads.
The new system will operate in a similar way to the successful Slow for SAM system (Speed Awareness Monitors), which are currently used on the network to ‘nudge’ drivers to reduce their speed.
“Tailgating is a major contributor to road trauma in Queensland, being one of the main causes of rear end crashes,” said Joanna Robinson, TMR General Manager (Land Transport Safety and Regulation).
“Motor Accident Insurance Commission data from 2023-2024 shows that rear-end crashes are the most common crash type in Queensland, comprising 50 per cent of all crashes in the Queensland Compulsory Third Party Scheme.
“This new technology will detect unsafe tailgating behaviour, and display a message to motorists in real-time on electronic message boards, similar to the Slow for SAM signs.
“This awareness and educational initiative is about encouraging safe driving behaviour, rather than focussing on enforcement. No infringements will be issued as a result of these monitors.
“The technology will be trialled at several sites across the state, and evaluated to determine if they have been effective in encouraging drivers to stop tailgating.”
