Young SES controller Chris Duffey believes the NSW Government's decision to introduce a road rule requiring motorists to slow down to 40km/h when passing emergency service workers will "help us get home after work".
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The new rule would strengthen current laws and require motorists to slow down to 40km/hr when an emergency vehicle is stopped and has its red or blue lights flashing on all roads.
The rule will begin with a 12 month trial from September 1, 2018, following a comprehensive public education campaign.
Mr Duffey said emergency services workers welcomed the implementation of the trial.
This is very important for the safety of our workers on the side of the road, it will help us get to go home at the end of the day the same as everyone else
- Chris Duffey
“This is very important for the safety of our workers on the side of the road,” he said.
“It will help us get to go home at the end of the day the same as everyone else.
“There will be signs up and the flashing lights and people should realise that when they see the flashing lights, they should slow down.”
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said emergency service workers and volunteers often put themselves in harm's way to protect us and keep us safe on the roads.
"They should be able to attend road incidents without fear of being struck by a vehicle themselves," Ms Cooke said.
"These new measures will help keep our emergency service workers keep safe while they're doing the same for us.
“There will be an extensive public education campaign around these new rules because there will be tough new fines and penalties that come into force from September 1. Motorists that do not obey these laws will be fined $439 and will lose demerit points.”
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the new law should give all emergency workers extra protection and confidence that they can go to work and at the end of their shift get home safely to their families.
The NSW Government will monitor the safety and traffic impacts of the rule over the 12-month period in consultation with NSW Police, emergency service organisations as well as stakeholder groups.
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
