New road rule rolls out

ROAD users are being reminded lower speed limits are now in effect when passing stationary or slow-moving incident response vehicles displaying flashing lights of any colour.

The new road rule, which came into effect on Tuesday last week, requires motorists to slow to 40kmh and is aimed at improving safety for workers attending breakdowns and emergencies.

Since 2017, Victorian motorists have been required to slow to 40kmh when passing stationary emergency service vehicles, such as police and enforcement vehicles, displaying red, blue, magenta or yellow flashing lights.

The rule has now been expanded to include accident towing vehicles, breakdown towing services, roadside assistance operators and all other incident response vehicles.

The change was announced in April by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne.

“Incident response, roadside assistance and breakdown towing vehicles are there for us when we are in need – this change acknowledges the risks they take and our commitment and our commitment to keeping them safe,” she said.

“It is the responsibility of all drivers to familiarise themselves with this road rule and to always slow to 40kmh past responding vehicles, for the safety of workers and all road users.”

It comes after more than two years of advocacy from RACV, with a survey, conducted in March last year, revealing 83 per cent of its emergency roadside assistance patrols experience a near miss with another vehicle at least once a week while working on the side of the road.

“We’re grateful that the Victorian state government has made this change to improve the safety outcomes and working conditions of roadside and incident response workers,” RACV general manager of automotive services Makarla Cole said.

“Victoria’s emergency roadside workers and tow truck drivers are often the first and only responders to an incident or breakdown and are exposed to the same risks to other responders, such as police and paramedics.”

“Now… it’s up to Victorians to do their part and ensure these vital workers can do their jobs without fear of harm and get home to their families safely.”

Non-compliance with the updated road rule may result in a maximum fine of $961.

For more information, head to transport.vic.gov.au