French Tailgaters to Be Secretly Identified on the Road Soon!

Adhering to safe following distances is a crucial rule of the road. It helps prevent collisions in the event of sudden braking. However, many drivers tend to ignore this rule. The law is explicit: failing to keep an adequate distance from the vehicle ahead can result in a fixed fine of 135 euros and a deduction of three points from one’s driving license. This penalty serves as a reminder that vigilance while driving is essential for everyone’s safety.

To enhance enforcement, the Road Safety Authority will implement a new automated system by 2030. The goal is to detect more infractions using smart radars. Artificial intelligence will support existing devices to broaden their scope. For instance, next-generation devices will be able to detect a driver using a phone behind the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt, as well as instances of driving through bus lanes or blocking an intersection. Additionally, some radars will have the capability to monitor average speed over various segments and to photograph offending vehicles from both the front and the rear.

One of the anticipated advancements includes the automatic monitoring of safe following distances. Future radars will need to differentiate between cars and trucks, take weather conditions into account, and employ 3D lidar sensors to measure the gaps between vehicles. Supplementary video analysis will be necessary to prevent mistakes, such as when a driver changes lanes or brakes suddenly. This unprecedented control in France aims to penalize a common but often underestimated behavior that remains a major cause of road accidents.

The gradual deployment of these next-generation radars is scheduled by 2030, with significant advancements expected in the coming years. Simultaneously, the Road Safety Authority will increase the number of autonomous radars, already in use in construction zones and sensitive routes. Meanwhile, drivers can minimize risks by adhering to simple principles: slowing down in rainy conditions, maintaining proper distances, wearing seat belts, and avoiding phone use while driving. Despite new technologies, these basic actions remain the best insurance for protecting passengers and other road users.