The RACT is calling for tow truck drivers and roadside assist workers to be included in new legislation aimed at improving the safety of emergency workers at road crashes.
The Tasmanian State Government’s proposed “Slow Down Move Over” legislation – set to be introduced this year – will mean drivers must travel at no more than 40km/h when driving in the same direction as stationary emergency response vehicles with flashing lights.
But the proposed new law does not include roadside assist vans and other incident response vehicles.
“Roadside Assist workers and tow truck drivers are vulnerable road users, as they experience the same risks as emergency services vehicles, regularly reporting near misses and dangerous situations at the roadside,” said Darren Moody, RACT General Manager Mobility Services.
A survey of 20 RACT roadside patrols in January found 75 percent experienced a near miss in the previous 12 months, with 60 percent of those experiencing more than one near miss.
The call to amend the proposed legislation falls in the middle of the RACT’s Golden Rules of Road Safety campaign, aimed at reducing road deaths and serious injuries on the road.
