Dubai is taking a proactive approach to tackling tailgating with a new device that hijacks radio signals to warn drivers who enter the ‘danger zone’ around the emirate’s taxis.
Using Arabian Radio Network frequencies, the “Back-Off Radio” device installed in the front and rear of taxis will monitor for unsafe driving practices, and broadcast warnings directing to the offending car’s stereo.
Each taxi will have two devices installed. One in the trunk monitors for cars following too closely, and then hijacks the FM signal to warn the offending driver to back off and maintain an adequate following distance. This method relies on the offending driver being tuned into an ARN station.
The authorities chose ARN because its stations have the largest number of listeners in the United Arab Emires, with more than 3 million daily listeners between the nine FM stations. The messages are being broadcast in four languages, Urdu, Hindi, Arabic and English, to reach as many drivers as possible.
Another device, installed in the front of the taxi, is hooked directly into the taxi’s speaker system and warns the driver if he is following too closely.
Both devices are only activated when the cab is moving at more than 60 kilometers per hour.
Watch the video for more information on the system.