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The high number of offences is the most recorded in SA in more than a decade, and represents a 25% increase on the average for the previous nine years – according to SA Police expiation data.
RAA’s warning comes with wet weather on the forecast for Adelaide in the coming days.
The city and eastern suburbs recorded the highest number of tailgating offences last year (863), followed by the northern suburbs (838) and western suburbs (781).
Drivers are reminded they should leave a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front, to ensure there is adequate time to stop if something unexpected occurs.
This becomes especially important when roads are wet, causing stopping distances to increase and RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain said the trend was concerning.
“Failing to keep a safe following distance is one of the most preventable crash behaviours on our roads,” Mr Mountain said.
“A rear-end crash can happen without much warning. If you’re not giving yourself enough space, you’re not giving yourself enough time to react and bring your car to a stop.
“It is important that drivers leave a three-second gap between their vehicle and the vehicle in front – yet thousands of South Australians are still following too closely.
“RAA is calling on drivers to leave more space, slow down, and understand that shaving a few seconds off your trip is never worth the risk to yourself or others on the road.
“As we head into winter, wet roads, morning frost and reduced visibility make safe following distances even more critical – your stopping distance can double on a slippery surface.
“There’s no excuse for tailgating in any season – but winter is when the consequences of it can become most severe, most quickly.
The current penalty for not leaving a safe distance from the vehicle in front is $519 including VOC levy (also incurs one demerit point).