Tailgate Detecing Cameras to Curb Tailgating

Last month’s accident in the Burnley Tunnel (Melbourne) where three people lost their lives has been put down to careless driving and tailgating. Whilst tailgating is a nationwide problem, it seems that politicians will only get involved when people die.

Police Assistant Commissioner for traffic Noel Ashby has mentioned that cameras capable of detecting the distance between two cars can (and are being considered) help catch offenders.

Although this sounds like a reasonable move to fight tailgating, the technicality of these cameras would be of out most interest as there can be many momentary situations that may appear as tailgating when they are not

“If we determine there’s a need to separate these vehicles further we will look at enforcement options,” Mr Ashby said.“It could be technical or it could be covert operations at different times.”

Victoria Police advise drivers to stay two seconds behind the car in front, however in reality it can be best measured in milliseconds. Currently Victorian police can punish drivers of long (7.5+) vehicles with a $220 fine (one demerit point), for the rest of us we cop a $145 fine.

However the problem that is annoying police is the lack of real power to give fines to everyday cars. Current legistaltion states that long vehicles must keep 60 metres between the car infront whilst for everyday cars it simply states to keep a “safe distance”. Not exactly strong words the police can rely on.