Motorist Information

When does tailgating become tailgating?

NSW law does not identify a specific minimum distance to be observed between cars OR between trucks and cars but rather recommends drivers observe the “3 second” rule - counting 3 seconds as the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes a particular marker (tree/guidepost/sign) then ensuring 3 seconds has elapsed before the front of your vehicle passes the same marker.

NSW law DOES specify however that the minimum legal distance semi trailer drivers maintain between the rear of the semi trailer ahead and the front of their own rig is 60m.*  60m represents approximately 12 CAR LENGTHS.  It must be assumed then that 12 car lengths is the distance determined by road safety experts as being sufficient to allow a heavy vehicle to slow to a stop safely.  As motorists, shouldn’t we expect the same safety net (60m) as specified by law to minimize the risk of semi to semi collisions?  *This rule does not apply on multi-lane roads, in built up areas or when overtaking. 

NONE of these laws/recommendations mention 2 metres as being an acceptable or safe gap between ANY vehicles!

According to Police, NSW Courts of Law examine the “fear factor” involved in a tailgating offence – whether or not the victim had genuine concerns for the safety of themselves, their passengers or their propertyduring the incident.

Page 37 - RTA Heavy Vehicle Driver’s Handbook  …..  Tailgating

Large vehicles can be intimidating if they are driven too close behind smaller vehicles. It is illegal to drive in a menacing way. Heavy penalties apply for menacing driving.

Rule No 126  …..  Keeping a safe distance behind vehicles
Drive behind other vehicle too close to stop safely - 6 demerit points + $308 fine .

Rule No 127  …..  Keeping a minimum distance between long vehicles
Long vehicle not required distance from other long vehicle - 6 demerit points + $308 fine…..

All vehicles 7.5 metres or longer must keep a 60 metre minimum distance between long vehicles outside a road train area.  This rule does not apply on multi-lane roads in built-up areas or when overtaking”

At 100kms per hour, 3 seconds equates to 87 metres  …..

What to do if you are tailgated/menaced by a heavy vehicle …..

• DO NOT PANIC. Stay within the speed limit. Stay aware of other traffic.
• DO NOT INCREASE YOUR SPEED over the limit in an effort to “lose” the offending truck. The object of tailgating is to create a sense of urgency or panic – to make the driver in front speed up. This increases the likelihood of a high speed crash and places you at risk of attracting fines. The maximum speed limit for trucks in Australia is100kms p/h
• NEVER RECIPROCATE dangerous driving behavior
• Remaining buckled up, HAVE A PASSENGER PHOTOGRAPH THE OFFENDING TRUCK using a mobile phone or camera ensuring the registration number is centered clearly in the photograph.
• NOTE ANY COMPANY INSIGNIAS or identifying signage emblazoned across the truck or trailer
• CONTACT POLICE. Pull off the side of the road when it is safe to do so and to report the incident to Police or contact the trucking company to advise management of the incident.
• ALWAYS REQUEST AN EVENT NUMBER when you report the incident to the Police. This will ensure your report IS recorded which in turn will ensure statistics reflect a true and accurate picture of the extent of the problem. Politicians and bureaucrats respond to statistics. These Police reports will then become evidence in any subsequent court trials.
• CONTACT THE COAST TO COAST 100 WEBSITE. Go to the ”Report a Truckie” tab and report your incident including registration number, company insignia, time, date, place, details etc. Over a period of time, profiles on serial offenders will begin to emerge. Coast to Coast staff will liaise with the trucking company involved however,If no satisfactory outcome is achieved, details will be released to the police and the media.

At this point it is vital we examine our own driving practices in an effort to ensure WE also are making an effort to improve the safety of all who travel THE Pacific Highway

My driving practices…

• Do I pull out in front of semi trailers?
• Am I aware that semi trailers cannot stop on sixpence?
• Do I maintain the speed limit if driving conditions permit?
• Do I drive in the mistaken belief that semi trailers are slow vehicles?
• Am I mindful of the fact that semi drivers run to tight delivery schedules?
• Do I overtake semi trailers then slow down in front of them delaying their progress?
• Am I aware that semi trailers and cars cannot go around smaller two lane roundabouts together?
• Do I drive well below the speed limit blocking semi trailers then speed up in overtaking lanes?