Slowing down drivers to protect emergency workers

A number of emergency workers have been killed and injured on Victorian roads after being struck by passing vehicles or debris. There are also many ‘near misses’ while emergency workers are stopped on the roadside, but often these incidents are not recorded.

From 1 July, drivers in Victoria must safely slow to 40 km/h when passing a stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicle that is responding to an emergency with flashing lights or a siren sounding.

“Emergency services workers are telling us that they feel in danger while they’re doing their job — we’ve listened to them and made these changes to protect the people who are out there protecting the community,” said Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan.

The new Victorian rule is consistent with existing 40 km/h speed limit requirements in other areas where vulnerable road users are present, including roadwork sites and school zones. The rule will apply to Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, County Fire Authority and State Emergency Service vehicles. It also applies to VicRoads Transport Safety Service vehicles with magenta flashing lights.

“It’s a simple message — when you see flashing lights ahead slow to 40 to keep our emergency workers safe. It might mean you arrive at your destination a little later, but it could save a life,” said Victorian Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy.

The changes are the result of extensive consultation with Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Country Fire Authority, WorkSafe, Emergency Management Victoria, Department of Justice and Regulation, the Transport Accident Commission and RACV.

The fine for an infringement of the new road rule is $277 and the maximum court penalty is $793. No demerit points apply.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/bluraz