Local state rolls out latest traffic system update to target road rule breakers

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.


compressed-townsville.jpeg
The behavioural awareness monitor (BAM) will be trialled in four areas spread between Townsville and Southeast Queensland. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Paul Harding


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.
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.
 
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Queensland started deploying monitoring signs that could give real-time warnings to drivers violating road rules, such as tailgating and mobile phone usage. And picking your nose. 🤳

On the other hand, drivers who use their mobile phones while driving should be urged to put them down. DUH!!
This could correct drivers' behaviour on the spot. 👮‍♂️👎

Instead, they will only alert and remind drivers of their actions, gently nudging them to drive safely. 🛴

Enforcing tailgating rules has always been a challenge.
If there is a rear-ender then....

Yet, with the introduction of BAMBAM 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.


The only thing funnier than this is watching Charlie Chaplin.
 
Not sure of costs of BAM cameras or effectiveness as they'll only be installed in certain areas.

An alternative way of teaching people to do simple things (eg: don't tail gate, don't speed, don't use mobile and so on) can be done through rote learning.

Repetitive TV ads could convey these messages that would resonate with drivers.

I remember NSW authorities did this to teach driver behaviour on roundabouts decades ago.
 
Not sure of costs of BAM cameras or effectiveness as they'll only be installed in certain areas.

An alternative way of teaching people to do simple things (eg: don't tail gate, don't speed, don't use mobile and so on) can be done through rote learning.

Repetitive TV ads could convey these messages that would resonate with drivers.

I remember NSW authorities did this to teach driver behaviour on roundabouts decades ago.
please no ads for the stupid.
 
Sounds like another revenue raising big brother camera
Why is it that when new rules, no matter what, are employed for our safety someone will always say it is ‘revenue raising’. Do so many of you think it will not happen to you and you are NEVER going to have a crash that will maim you or kill you.

This so called ‘revenue raising’ is what pays for your safety, the trauma caused to emergency workers (police, ambulance, fire & medical staff who have to deal with the maimed, twisted or dead bodies they have to extricate from crashes). Yes, it is revenue raised but it helps pay for these services to keep all of us safe, no matter what background any of us comes from.

SO KEEP IN MIND ALL OF WHAT THIS MONEY GOES TOWARDS, PLEASE DO SO EVERYONE.
 
Oh please. When you drive through roadworks now and there are speed warning signs, the speedsters don't care, especially the massive trucks. They just continue hooning along.

This will be totally ineffective and annoying for law-abiding drivers, as they keep seeing the inconsiderate, dangerous "idiots" continue to do what they do....speed and break the laws....and not just here in Queensland.

When you're entitled and self-absorbed, the rules apparently don't apply to you.

Then they crash, somebody dies or is injured and all you hear is what a lovely person, father, husband, young lady etc. they are and how sad and unfair it is.

They bring it on themselves consistently with total disregard and disrespect for others.

Don't warn them. BOOK THEM!

Another Labor Queensland Government ill-conceived thought bubble!
 
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