Local state rolls out latest traffic system update to target road rule breakers
By
Danielle F.
- Replies 27
As we navigate around Aussie roads, safety is paramount for ourselves and everyone who shares the road with us.
In an innovative move to enhance road safety, a local state started a trial that could keep drivers' eyes on the road.
Queensland started deploying monitoring signs that could give real-time warnings to drivers violating road rules, such as tailgating and mobile phone usage.
These behavioural awareness monitors (BAM) cameras should encourage safer driving habits.
The signs should flash warnings to drivers and urge them to keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
On the other hand, drivers who use their mobile phones while driving should be urged to put them down.
This could correct drivers' behaviour on the spot.
The Queensland state government confirmed that on-road trials should begin in late 2024.
The BAM cameras would be installed on single-lane, straight roads with speed limits ranging from 60 to 80 kph.
The trial sites will include two locations in Townsville and another two within Southeast Queensland.
Other than traffic enforcement, BAM cameras will not issue fines.
Instead, they will only alert and remind drivers of their actions, gently nudging them to drive safely.
The rollout of these BAM cameras experienced some delays as authorities decided to expand the warnings from phone usage to tailgating.
This was a response to the concerns of the Royal Automotive Club of Queensland (RACQ), Queensland's largest club for motorists.
Tailgating has been a top frustration in the club's annual surveys, highlighting the need for a solution.
'If you are driving along and someone is tailgating you, the best thing that you can do is to slow down a little bit to give yourself more space to the vehicle in front of you, RACQ's Road Safety and Technical Manager, Joel Tucker, advised.
Enforcing tailgating rules has always been a challenge.
Yet, with the introduction of BAM cameras, its real-time feedback could make a difference.
The technology has already gone through off-road testing and is now ready for on-road trials.
As we await the results of this trial, it's a reminder to all of us to stay vigilant and considerate on the roads.
Will real-time warnings make a difference in driver behaviour? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this new technology in the comments section below.
In an innovative move to enhance road safety, a local state started a trial that could keep drivers' eyes on the road.
Queensland started deploying monitoring signs that could give real-time warnings to drivers violating road rules, such as tailgating and mobile phone usage.
These behavioural awareness monitors (BAM) cameras should encourage safer driving habits.
The signs should flash warnings to drivers and urge them to keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
On the other hand, drivers who use their mobile phones while driving should be urged to put them down.
This could correct drivers' behaviour on the spot.
The Queensland state government confirmed that on-road trials should begin in late 2024.
The BAM cameras would be installed on single-lane, straight roads with speed limits ranging from 60 to 80 kph.
The trial sites will include two locations in Townsville and another two within Southeast Queensland.
Other than traffic enforcement, BAM cameras will not issue fines.
Instead, they will only alert and remind drivers of their actions, gently nudging them to drive safely.
The rollout of these BAM cameras experienced some delays as authorities decided to expand the warnings from phone usage to tailgating.
This was a response to the concerns of the Royal Automotive Club of Queensland (RACQ), Queensland's largest club for motorists.
Tailgating has been a top frustration in the club's annual surveys, highlighting the need for a solution.
'If you are driving along and someone is tailgating you, the best thing that you can do is to slow down a little bit to give yourself more space to the vehicle in front of you, RACQ's Road Safety and Technical Manager, Joel Tucker, advised.
Enforcing tailgating rules has always been a challenge.
Yet, with the introduction of BAM cameras, its real-time feedback could make a difference.
The technology has already gone through off-road testing and is now ready for on-road trials.
As we await the results of this trial, it's a reminder to all of us to stay vigilant and considerate on the roads.
Key Takeaways
- Queensland introduced behavioural awareness monitors (BAM) cameras to monitor and give real-time warnings to tailgaters and mobile phone users.
- These BAM cameras would not issue fines but should display messages urging drivers to correct their behaviour.
- On-road trials for the behavioural awareness monitors should begin by late 2024.
- The trial was a response to concerns about driver safety and aimed to provide real-time feedback on risky driver behaviour.