How often have you driven past an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with its lights on? Can you remember how fast you were travelling at the time? If you answered no, then you’ll want to know about an existing road rule in NSW. Keeping our emergency service providers safe in their line of duty when on the side of a road is everyone’s responsibility.
New South Wales has had a road rule in place for some time now that is aimed at keeping our emergency service providers safe in their line of duty. Simply, this rule requires road users to slow down, move over, and give space when approaching and passing any emergency services vehicles and personnel on the side of the road when warning flashing lights are activated.
If you are travelling on a road that has a speed limit of 80Km/h or less, you are required to slow down to 40Km/h when approaching and passing any emergency services vehicles and personnel. This rule applies even if you are travelling on the opposite side of the road that the vehicles are on unless there is a road divider in place.
This rule applies to the following services:
- Police
- Ambulance
- Fire and Rescue NSW
- Rural Fire Service
- State Emergency Services
- Volunteer Rescue Association
- Traffic Emergency Patrol
- Commander Vehicles
- Breakdown Assistance Vehicles
- Tow Trucks
For roads that are 90Km/h or higher, you are required to slow down to a reasonable and safe speed and give enough space. If it is a multi-lane, and you can do so, move over to give the emergency vehicles more space, as there may be people walking around them and on the road.
Help our Emergency Services providers get home to their families. Slow down, move over, and give space.
