The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is trialling new tailgating awareness monitors to encourage safer driving behaviours on state roads. This Australian-first initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of tailgating by providing drivers with real-time feedback.
Dylan Anderson
How the Trial Works
The monitors detect the time gap between two vehicles and deliver an instant visual response via nearby electronic message boards:
- "Safe gap" is displayed in green if the time gap between vehicles exceeds 2 seconds.
- "Too close" is displayed in red if the gap is less than 2 seconds.
These visual messages are intended to encourage drivers to maintain a safe following distance without issuing fines or penalties. The monitors operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Locations
The monitors have been deployed at up to four undisclosed trial locations across both urban and regional areas of Queensland. Locations are not being publicised to ensure data collected reflects normal traffic patterns.
Purpose and Management
This initiative forms part of the Queensland Road Safety Action Plan 2022–24. The aim is to:
- Raise awareness about safe following distances.
- Test the effectiveness of real-time positive and negative reinforcement.
- Inform future deployment of tailgating awareness technology.
TMR manages the trial, and the technology is not used for enforcement purposes. Drivers will not receive fines as part of the pilot.
Importance of the Initiative
Tailgating is a significant factor in road trauma in Queensland. Though not explicitly defined in legislation, road rules require motorists to maintain a "sufficient distance" to allow safe stopping. The definition of sufficient distance varies based on speed, vehicle type, and road conditions.
Tailgating Penalties in Australia
While this Queensland trial is educational, other jurisdictions impose fines for tailgating:
| State/Territory | *Penalty |
|---|---|
| Queensland | Up to $3220 |
| New South Wales | Up to $2200 |
| Victoria | $987 |
| South Australia | $504 + 1 demerit point |
| Western Australia | $200 + 2 demerit points |
| ACT | $434 |
| Tasmania | Up to $2020 |
| Northern Territory | No specific penalty for tailgating |
*data is up-to-date to the best of our knowledge.
TMR continues to develop and assess new technologies to enhance road safety without immediate punitive measures. The results of this tailgating monitor trial will help guide future road safety strategies across Queensland.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
