Sudden braking and the new 40 km/h Road Rule for Roadside Assistance Vehicles

In today's rapidly moving world, ensuring road safety is more crucial than ever. Recent updates to road safety regulations mandate that drivers reduce their speed to 40 km/h when passing emergency vehicles, extending this rule to include roadside assistance vehicles like tow trucks. This change is essential for protecting both responders and those in need on the roads.

Adjusting to the 40 km/h road rule can be difficult, particularly on busy highways where distractions are prevalent. Factors such as heavy traffic, adverse weather, or poor visibility can hinder drivers' ability to respond swiftly to roadside assistance situations.

The primary objective of the 40 km/h road rule is to ensure the safety of emergency responders and roadside assistance workers while they assist others. Adhering to the speed limit greatly reduces the risk of injury for both the responders and the drivers they aid.

By maintaining a reduced speed when passing these vehicles, incident responders gain more time to handle unexpected events. This enables them to concentrate on their crucial tasks without the additional danger of fast-moving traffic. It's important to recognise that roadside assistance teams often operate near active lanes, highlighting the necessity for increased driver awareness.

The purpose of these regulations is to enhance road safety for all, not to create hazardous conditions.

Unfortunately, some drivers have misinterpreted this new road rule. Just last night, I observed a concerning scene on the Calder Highway. A tow truck was assisting a broken-down car. As I approached, I noticed several drivers suddenly braking. This abrupt deceleration created an unsafe situation that could have led to a collision. This incident highlights the importance of drivers staying alert and adhering to speed regulations that protect everyone on the road.

This brings me to the often-overlooked details of the rule. Transport Victoria recommends that when slowing down, "Always check your rear-view mirror first, then gradually slow down as soon as you see flashing lights. Keep the current road conditions in mind and avoid sudden braking." Additionally, "Reducing your speed, even if the vehicle doesn’t get down to 40 km/h, will still help keep them safe and reduce the risk of injury for all workers on or by the roadside."

Transport Victoria acknowledges these challenges and stresses the importance of drivers being aware of their surroundings. They advise assessing road conditions and understanding that if achieving exactly 40 km/h is impractical, gradual slowing is essential.

By recognising challenges and adopting safe driving practices, we can significantly mitigate risks. A commitment to staying vigilant, checking mirrors, and reducing speed can lead to safer roads for all.

Let's work together to become safer drivers by staying alert to those working near our roads and the vehicles following us. By doing so, we can handle these situations more effectively and responsibly.

More Information regarding this rule change is available from Transport Victoria:

Law enforcement, emergency and incident response vehicles - Transport Victoria