General News
30 July, 2024
Back off: tailgating tales
We live in one of the least densely populated parts of the world with plenty of wide-open space to share, yet when it comes to driving there are some Australians who bunch up in a way that can be intimidating and highly dangerous.
A poll of Victorian motorists has pinpointed tailgating as the practice that frightens them most.
Conducted by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), the survey found that the number one road-rage behaviour witnessed on the state’s roads was driving too closely behind another vehicle.
“Results from the more than 4400 respondents to the poll showed that 38 per cent saw or experienced tailgating, followed by aggressive driving, abusive behaviour and excessive use of the horn,” RACV head of policy James Williams said.
“Road rage can include dangerous driving or abusive behaviour targeted at other motorists, and the impacts can be fatal if a collision occurs.”
Mr Williams said tailgating was more dangerous than most motorists assumed.
“Tailgating is a reckless behaviour and in a split second an incident could cause the front driver to brake suddenly, resulting in a potentially significant crash between the tailgater and driver in front,” he said.
“Additionally, extreme tailgating behaviour can divert the front driver’s concentration and impact their driving confidence, resulting in collisions or unsafe driving speeds.”
Mr Williams said motorists should be aware that in Victoria tailgating is illegal.
“Failing to drive a safe distance behind a vehicle - ‘tailgating’ - can see offenders fined up to $248 and one demerit point,” he said.
“It’s just not worth the risk to tailgate.
“Always provide a safe enough distance from the car in front of you.
"That safe distance is dependent on factors including speed limits, road infrastructure and weather conditions.
“However, a rule of thumb is to keep at least a two-second gap between you and the car in front.”
Mr Williams said RACV had some practical tips for motorists targeted by road rage:
• Stay calm and maintain a safe speed. Don't accelerate to increase the distance between you and the tailgater.
• Prioritise safety and focus on the road ahead. Don’t let yourself become distracted by other occurrences inside the car.
• Change lanes on a highway or freeway or allow the tailgater to pass when it’s safe to do so.
• Note the car’s make, model and registration number, if possible, as well as the area where the incident occurred and report this to police as soon as is practicable.