Aussies are being warned about a common road hazard that could lead to hefty fines and demerit points, as the number of tailgating offences in South Australia reaches a decade-high. This issue is particularly concerning as winter approaches, with road safety experts emphasizing the dangers of following too closely behind another vehicle.
The RAA's Charles Mountain highlights the preventable nature of rear-end crashes, which can occur without much warning. He stresses the importance of maintaining a three-second gap between vehicles, a rule that is often overlooked by drivers.
Winter driving conditions, including wet roads, fog, and reduced visibility, further exacerbate the risks associated with tailgating. Mountain notes that stopping distance can double on slippery surfaces, making it crucial for drivers to give themselves ample time to react.
The consequences of tailgating are not just limited to fines and demerit points. According to NRMA Insurance, rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in Australia this year, with 69,000 drivers having lodged insurance claims since January. This trend is concerning, especially as it contributes to the rising death toll on Australian roads.
The legal definition of tailgating, as explained by Astor Legal's Avinash Singh, is when a driver fails to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. While no specific distance is prescribed by the rules, a three-second gap is generally considered acceptable.
The penalties for tailgating vary across different states. In New South Wales, drivers can face a $562 fine and three demerit points, with the potential for a maximum court-imposed fine of $2,200. Queensland imposes a $389 fine and one demerit point, with a maximum court penalty of $3,200. Victorian drivers are fined $248 and lose one demerit point, while South Australians face a $504 fine and one demerit point.
In the Australian Capital Territory, the fines and demerit points are higher, at $420 and one demerit point, with court-imposed penalties reaching $3,300. Tasmania and Western Australia both impose $200 fines, with Western Australian drivers also losing two demerit points.
Singh advises drivers being tailgated to remain calm and avoid sudden changes in speed. He suggests maintaining a steady pace and allowing the tailgating vehicle to pass when it is safe to do so by moving into another lane.
