FROM today (Tuesday, July 1) Victorian motorists will be required to slow down to 40 kilometres per hour when passing incident response vehicles that display flashing lights of any colour.
The change, announced in April this year, has been welcomed by RACV and its roadside assistance team, following a two-year campaign to review Road Rule 79A.
RACV General Manager Automotive Services Makarla Cole urged motorists to be aware of the rule change so that they could create the safest environment possible for roadside and incident response workers.
“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,” Ms Cole said.
Since 2017, Victorian motorists have been required to slow down to 40 kilometres per hour when passing stationary emergency services vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights.
This rule has now been expanded to include accident towing vehicles, breakdown towing services, roadside assistance operators and Transurban incident response vehicles
“Now that we have had an important and much-needed update to 79A, 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,” Ms Cole said.
Non-compliance with the updated 79A rule may result in a maximum fine of $961.