A new road rule has been on trial around NSW for a couple of months now and it’s all to improve the safety of emergency workers, as well as the people they are protecting.
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The new rule requires motorists to slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying red or blue flashing lights.
The rule also requires motorists to give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency vehicle and they should not increase their speed until they are a safe distance past the vehicle.
It applies to vehicles travelling in both directions, unless the road is divided by a median strip
Motorists who fail to comply with the rule will face a $448 fine and three demerit points.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor is out to remind Parkes drivers the new road rule is in place.
She said the new rule provides extra protection for all emergency workers and volunteers who respond to crashes and other incidents on the roads.
“Police, firefighters, ambulance officers, State Emergency Service and rescue volunteers perform difficult and dangerous work for the community,” Ms Suitor said.
“But just like everyone else, they should feel safe and know that they are protected at work.”
Ms Suitor wants to remind motorists when they see red or blue flashing lights of emergency vehicles stopped on the road, drivers should start gradually slowing down to 40km/h.
“Be conscious of others on the road, including vehicles behind you,” she said.
“Reduce your speed in a controlled manner so you are not exceeding 40km/h when you pass emergency vehicles.
“Keep to 40km/h until you’ve safely passed all people and emergency vehicles.
“This will ensure that emergency service personnel don’t become casualties while doing their jobs,” Ms Suitor said.
The new rule is being trialled for 12 months and brings NSW in line with Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Transport for NSW and Roads and Maritime Services is monitoring the safety and traffic impacts of the rule in consultation with NSW Police, emergency service organisations and other stakeholders.
“A public education campaign has been running to raise awareness about the new rule,” Ms Suitor said.
For more information including frequently asked questions, Parkes residents can visit the Centre for Road Safety website at http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/slow-down-for-emergency-vehicles/index.html.