Does anyone know of anyone on the planet who's been booked for tailgating?

[Mungoman]

Ok, it's my pet hate -- and just about everybody's. So has anyone ever been booked for it or have first-hand evidence of someone being booked for it?  And here's the $64,000 question: Does anyone know what the offence is actually called?  A banana-bender cop told me -- and it's not called tailgating.  I'm a NSW Cockroach so I'm not 100% if it goes by the same name here. By the way he also told me that it's extremely hard to prosecute truck drivers for it.

[dazzler]

Negligent driving would cover it.  Basically driving in a manner that a 'normal prudent' person would not.

I've issued a few.

[Desert lover]

In Victoria - Careless driving  would be appropriate....  particularly if the following driver couldn't stop in time!
A friend tells me that when someone is too close she just happens to lose a little concentration and drifts onto the gravel () not sure I like that with its inherent risks but seems to work for her.
 

[Bird]

A friend tells me that when someone is too close she just happens to lose a little concentration and drifts onto the gravel () not sure I like that with its inherent risks but seems to work for her.

Thats what I used to do when I drove trucks.. the spray of rocks on their paintwork used to make them backoff.

[UIZ733]

This is one of pet hates. Anytime you drive from Brisbane to the Gold Coast (M1) this is one of the dangerous bogon activities one has to put up with. On the other hand it is extremely annoying to see police on suburban streets in Brisbane targeting teenagers on bikes without helmets riding on the footpath, AND NEVER see a cop on the M1 targeting tailgating and/or other equally dangerous anti-social behaviours. For the record the teenagers were not known to me!
I admire the difficult job the police do, however I feel their lack of presence on the M1 in particular is criminally negligent. If there any members of this forum who are serving police, get the authorities (police management) to do something BEFORE something REALLY horrible happens.
P

[Duchess]

I had a truck tailgating me out of Scone years ago, so bad in fact that it made me angry and concerned for my safety and my then 10 year old son, that I phoned the police who had me give them the number plate details and when my description of the truck and theirs didn't match up, they sounded more than a bit concerned too. As I told the officer, I was pretty sure I was right seeing as if it got any closer it would have been in the back of the Chevy with the Ducati!!

Anyhow, long story short...the truck got past me...I then watched it sit up the rear end of a Harley before it over took it and made for the Ranges, where we all caught it. As we were all heading down towards Willow Tree, I saw a highway patrol flash past us on the other side of the road and then as it passed the semi which was by then behind us again, I saw the cop put on his lights, chuck a very fast 180 and catch the truck and pull him over!!

Could not believe my eyes!!

Whilst I could not say if the driver was booked or just cautioned, I still hope to this day that he didn't get off lightly, as it was not just my son and I who's life he was endangering but those of everyone on the road.

The most amazing thing about it was that it was an Easter Monday and whilst I understand that holiday traffic probably Shits truck drivers no end...this was in no way an excuse for such reckless driving.

[Tim - Stratford]

Victoria - "Follow too close."

[qlddsl]

my wife was fined for following too close, which was better than the other charge she could of got, as the fine was the result of an accident. the copper didnt want too charge her but his sarge was pushing for something. the other charge was negligent driving..

[Muso]

In S.A. you could be charged with "driving in a dangerous manner".

My other pet hate on the road is the idiots that use slips lanes as overtaking lanes. And I mean the left lane. It is illegal to overtake on the inside lane (unless the other lanes are blocked).

[Chippy76]

some 10 years ago I had a tailender into a ford festiva - turns out my pajero won! Sadly I wrote of the other ladies car, when the cops turned up I was charged with "following too close" - a lesser charge. The other option was to be charged with "driving without due care and attention" twice the fine and points.

I am now a very careful driver compared to those days.

Cheers Chippy

[Pete_R]

Ok, it's my pet hate -- and just about everybody's.

Another pet hate is drivers who cut you off, especially when you are towing. Had a female P plate driver do that to me yesterday, no more than 2 metres off my front bumper at 80km/h. Would not have liked to have seen the remains of her Kia car if she had to stop suddenly just after pulling in front of me

[Bird]

I had one a few weeks ago when I had Kents 4.8 GU Courtesy car..

Going down Eastlink past monash area and I looked back, could see this bloke in a black ute few cars back doing the left right left right flash lights flash spotties like the car infront was on fire.. as he swerved left, I saw what looked like an unmarked dark green taxidore behind him - instantly I got excited - lets play

Anyway, the small car had slowed down, very intimidated by this cockhead... and finally moved over (the cars next to it slowed to let him in) and said black ute came flyin up behind me - so close infact I couldn't see his bonnet! So he started his game of left right left right flash flash flash (this is 5.30pm), so I waved out the window to him and kept going... This Shit doesnt work on me in anyway, usually makes me somehow go the same speed as the car beside me for several klms... + there was nowhere for me to move over as there was a car next to me

Few more klms along the rd hes still that close I can't see his bonnet still until he starts 1/2 driving in the breakdown lane, but his roolites were the 220's 

Anyway 3-4klms later, he finally flys past me, stands on the picks as he waves his hands and swings his head like he was dancing - to the point the cop nearly ran up my arse.... That wasn't the bloke in the utes best move... 

Next thing I hear is the lovely sound of a V8 flying past... lights come on, and the cop hanging out the window of the taxidore signals to A.Nus to pull over... I stopped to not knowin if Sgt Donga wanted me too, plus wanted to add my $0.02+gst

I got out walked up a little pist off, and excited and the bloke was already on the attack - ON THE COP - he wasnt out of his ute yet! "did you see how fast he was going, and how he was driving, swerving everywhere all over the road"(him talking about me!!!!)

Youngish Cop told him to shut his mouth, and that I was doing 102 (was a good guess on my part!) and he was a Fwit for tailgating and he could kill someone quite easily driving like a f'kwit.. I piped in with ya @(#)*R@#(*& you were that close I couldnt see your bonnet, but your 220 Roo lites work...

A.Nus said its all bullShit, to Fkoff and the cop replied hes in deep Shit for that and he got him for 117 in 100 zone - before he was stuck behind the small car behind me!!! He said no way he was doin 110, and show me the F'kin radar... At the point where the cop informed him that he had been following him for several kms to which I replied, he was following you when you were up the arse of the small silver car that you nearly forced off the road. This did not deter him - he kept on at the cop, 'this is f'kin bullsheet blah blah, bloke in 4wd was doin this and that'...  Cop said 'mate I saw it all for last 7 odd klms, and he may wish to stop now'..

I walked away and turned the GU off, and put hazards on, and casually lent on the guard just watching... Funny Shit!! Cop took all his details, gave him the tests ( I still think he was on something)

A.Nus changed tact - the abusing th cop wasnt working.   He tried " come on mate... " I burst out laughin, which didnt help his chances.

Anyway after a good 10 mins the cop sends him on his way and comes up to me sayin maybe I could have moved over and let him past, to which I replied, that it wasnt my car, and i was waitin to pass 1 more car as there was nothing in front of that, then set the cruise, and away. At which point the cop cut me off and said 'fk him, hes gettin it all in the mail.... he aint talkin to me like that and gettin away with it'.. and then finished off with me and sent me on the way.. was dark by this time...

Not good pics, but

[Black Diamond]

One thing that sh1ts me is being on the freeway and seeing women doing their make up and men shaving whilst driving  that is just utter bullsh1t and so dangerous to themselves and others.

[Duchess]

Lost...

I think that your "work car" needs a clean. The dashboard is dusty. 

Great story btw. 

[bobnrob]

They come up a bit close, I give 3 warnings by way of tap on the brakes. The 4th & final warning is a stand on the brakes, followed by a quick hit of the go pedal.
They hit me, they're in the wrong & it'll cost 'em, haven't had to many needing the 4th message.
I've done it to men, women, bikes, cars & trucks!

[MDS69]

I am a bit cautious with the old road rage these days after nearly getting my head smashed in. I had an "incident" with 2 guys, I knocked one out and nearly got knocked out myself by the second one. Being from a smallish town I kept coming across these two who by themselves wouldn't say boo to me but more than one would try it on. Reported the harrasment to the cops who happened to know these fellows from previous form and suggested believe it or not to go around with a few mates to settle the score to which I didn't take up the offer. Turned out 6 months later they got sent to the big house for armed robbery with a shotgun

These days more than 90% of my driving both work and off duty involves a sign written company vehicle with a phone number so I have to behave myself whether I am in the wrong or not most times.

[rotare]

So has anyone ever been booked for it or have first-hand evidence of someone being booked for it?

In S.A I was pulled over for apparently "tailgating".  Bit of an ironic story follows.

On the way to work one morning on a 3 lane freeway I noticed a marked cop car driving in the traffic.  As you do when you know there is a cop about, I made sure I wasn't speeding or too close to any cars in front of me, or generally looking suspicious  .  The cop drove past me with the flow of traffic and as he went past I thought "geez he's sitting right up that cars arse".  I thought he was about to pull the car in front of him over because he was so close, but he changed lanes and sat real close to the next car, then the next until the drivers probably shat themselves and pulled into the left lane.

About 2km down the freeway I caught up with the cop car and went past him in the middle lane, doing the speed limit.  Low and behold he pulls from the right hand lane and pulls in right behind me, then next minute there is disco happening behind me as he switches his lights on.

I pull over and get told the officer has been "observing" me tailgating several cars all the way down the freeway.... WTF?  I found that hard to believe considering 1) I know I definately wasn't tailgating 2) For the last 2 kms the cop was driving at least 100m in front of me....

Anyhow, I copped a lecture about the dangers of tailgating, particularly because I was driving a heavy vehicle (Pajero 4wd) and at 100km/hr I was travelling at X metres per second, and the stopping distance was X metres blah blah blah.  I was wise enough not to argue with the guy and although he had his little book out and pen in his hand he said this time I would be let off with a warning.  Top bloke this cop was!

After telling me about the dangers of tailgating he then tailgated / intimidated me, sitting right up my arse for the next 5kms before I turned off the freeway.  Two set of rules I guess?

Long story, but yes, they will pull you over in S.A at least for tailgating.

[Soots]

In qld its called follow too close as well. And i could give you names of several ppl who have gotten the ticket......    

Tye difficulty is, what's too close? How to prove it? Is there a specific measurement? How do u measure said specific measurement? Is it a time frame? How did u measure the timeframe? Is your timer calibrated? How do you know its not out? Where were you whilst measuring? Its so hard to prove, with soooo much effort to prove a measly ticket, cops I know dont like the hassle of issuing it. If its fought in Court, thats hours of the road doing statements and paperwork to prove it.


And no, im not a traffic cop.  

[sschmez]

great to read about all you dills endangering your own lives because somehow you think you've got some right to obstruct someone from endangering their own life.

GET OUT OF THE RIGHT LANE ! ! !
GET OUT OF THE WAY ! ! !

the problem will pass very quickly and we can all get on with our lives
Bloody heros

====================

No I don't know anyone thats been booked for it

[03GV]

In S.A I was pulled over for apparently "tailgating".  Bit of an ironic story follows.

On the way to work one morning on a 3 lane freeway I noticed a marked cop car driving in the traffic.  As you do when you know there is a cop about, I made sure I wasn't speeding or too close to any cars in front of me, or generally looking suspicious  .  The cop drove past me with the flow of traffic and as he went past I thought "geez he's sitting right up that cars arse".  I thought he was about to pull the car in front of him over because he was so close, but he changed lanes and sat real close to the next car, then the next until the drivers probably shat themselves and pulled into the left lane.

About 2km down the freeway I caught up with the cop car and went past him in the middle lane, doing the speed limit.  Low and behold he pulls from the right hand lane and pulls in right behind me, then next minute there is disco happening behind me as he switches his lights on.

I pull over and get told the officer has been "observing" me tailgating several cars all the way down the freeway.... WTF?  I found that hard to believe considering 1) I know I definately wasn't tailgating 2) For the last 2 kms the cop was driving at least 100m in front of me....

Anyhow, I copped a lecture about the dangers of tailgating, particularly because I was driving a heavy vehicle (Pajero 4wd) and at 100km/hr I was travelling at X metres per second, and the stopping distance was X metres blah blah blah.  I was wise enough not to argue with the guy and although he had his little book out and pen in his hand he said this time I would be let off with a warning.  Top bloke this cop was!

After telling me about the dangers of tailgating he then tailgated / intimidated me, sitting right up my arse for the next 5kms before I turned off the freeway.  Two set of rules I guess?

Long story, but yes, they will pull you over in S.A at least for tailgating.

Not the southern expressway by any chance?
I remember a few years back the police were targeting tailgating on the expressway, heading south they had cops on the majors road bridge spotting and they would radio some cops further down and they would nab ya!
Saw heaps of people get pinged for it, not sure how they got caught when it was well advertised over the radio and tv

[Mungoman]

Victoria - "Follow too close."

Bingo!  That's what it's called in Queensland.  Anyone know if it's the same in NSW?

[Mungoman]

During last year's Qld floods we were driving from Gympie to Bundy. The Mary River was about to flood and the road was in shocking condition. I was able to maintain the speed limit because of the 4WD. But the speed limit wasn't fast enough for a cowboy truckie who was completely out of control. He'd made a few unsuccessful attempts to overtake a line of traffic way back from us -- and had to abort -- rocking and rumbling and scraring the bejesus out of oncoming motorists. He eventually got up to me and agressively tailgated me until I pulled up where road-workers were trying to repair the damaged road. I held my mobile phone out the window and told him I was calling the police -- and I asked the road workers to do the same. He backed off.
I've never reported a driver in 40 years of driving, but when I got to Bundy I rang the local boys, who tried on two occasions to talk me out of it -- Their big thing is, "Can you positively identify the driver?"  Like sure -- the top half with the sunglasses and the reflections in the truck windscreen -- that's going to hold up in court! So I knew it was useless, but as I'm an old journo who loves a good story, I decided to see how far I would get.  So I went to the station and made an official complaint. The police were really decent and understanding and treated me very well. But you don't have to be a genius to figure out that it's a rigged game.  They told me that even though I had the number of the truck, the time of the offence, the truck's owner's name, the place where the truck terminated its journey (Bundy), that if the company refused to name the driver they couldn't proceed, and even if they did name him I would loose in court (yes I had to go to court) because of the "degree of probability" because no positive ID can be made of a truck driver sitting in a truck. I told them that I wanted to proceed anyway.  
I finally got the call from the police that the company had refused to name the driver -- and the case was closed.
It's a rigged game folks -- and you and I aren't in it.

Footnote: When you hear of a multiple pile-up on an expressway, it's often near what is called a diamond T-intersection. A motorist will misjudge the distance and pull out on oncoming traffic. The oncoming vehicle brakes, but there's a massive truck tailgating him. And it's carnage.

 

[Janbo]

The cops in SA are primarily revenue raisers for the state government. Moreminterested in pinging pedestrians at traffic lights and happily watching drivers come through the red lights. i asked one of them why they were ignoring the drivers...... "we don't have the resources"!!!!!

[TroyE]

have a look at the back of my troll  anyone that is crazy enough to tail gate me, is in for a big hit if they happen to run up my rear


troy

[bobnrob]

by rotare
as he went past I thought "geez he's sitting right up that cars arse".  I thought he was about to pull the car in front of him over because he was so close, but he changed lanes and sat real close to the next car, then the next until the drivers probably shat themselves and pulled into the left lane.

I've known of some cops who'll purposely sit on the arse of a vehicle, trying to get them to speed up...you can guess the result 

by Soots
what's too close? How to prove it? Is there a specific measurement? How do u measure said specific measurement?

There is a formula, but can't remember exactly what it is...X amount of time to cover the distance for the K's being done, using a point of reference from the side of the road.
Someone should be able to answer, I'm drawing a complete blank atm

by sschmez
great to read about all you dills endangering your own lives because somehow you think you've got some right to obstruct someone from endangering their own life.

GET OUT OF THE RIGHT LANE ! ! !
GET OUT OF THE WAY ! ! !

the problem will pass very quickly and we can all get on with our lives
Bloody heros

I guess some like me, prefer to not go through life being pushed around or cowering ! ! !