Department of Transport and Main Roads to trial technology targeting tailgating drivers

New technology will be rolled out across Queensland targeting drivers who tailgate fellow motorists, but will it have any effect on hostile drivers? HAVE YOUR SAY.

The Queensland Government is cracking down on tailgating, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads rolling out new technology targeting the dangerous act.

New technology will be rolled out across Queensland targeting drivers who tailgate fellow motorists.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has announced a trial of variable message signs in a bid to stop drivers from following too close to the vehicle in front of them - an act known as tailgating.

If an instance of tailgating is detected, the sign will flash a ‘Too Close’ message to the driver that is closely following the motorist in front.

A motorist tailgating the vehicle in front.

Alternatively, the sign will flash a ‘Safe Gap’ message to motorists maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Drivers will not be penalised if they are indicated to have been tailgating by the new roadside detection systems.

Tailgating trucks

The general manager of Land, Transport, Safety, and Regulation at TMR Joanna Robinson said the measure is about encouraging safe driving behaviour, rather than focusing on enforcement.

“Tailgating is a major contributor to road trauma in Queensland, being one of the main causes of rear end crashes,” she said.

“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.

“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.”

According to Motor Accident Insurance Commission data from 2023-2024, rear-end crashes are the most common crash type in Queensland, comprising half of all crashes recorded as part of the Queensland Compulsory Third Party Scheme.