RFSA WELCOMES THE NSW GOVERNMENT’S NEW ROAD SAFETY LAW TO PROTECT THE PROTECTORS
The NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) welcomes the NSW Government’s decision to implement new road safety laws to protect emergency services worker.
Following an active campaign by the RFSA, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Hon.Troy Grant MP and the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, the Hon. Melinda Pavey MP have announced new laws requiring drivers to slow down to 40 kilometres when an emergency vehicle is stopped and has its red or blue lights flashing on all roads.
RFSA President, Ken Middleton said “I want to thank both the Ministers and the NSW Government for listening to, and now addressing, the concerns of the RFSA and our members right across the state.
“The RFSA has been actively liaising with the government for this measure not only on behalf of our own members but also to protect all emergency service workers who risk their lives to protect others.”
“All emergency services face enough risks every day and shouldn’t have to worry about being hit by a car because of a speeding or distracted driver, which is why we called for these laws – and now the government has acted.
“In February, we saw a terrible accident in Leumeah, which left two police officers severely injured, and that is the exact type of tragedy that we are trying to prevent.
“Every day, emergency workers across the state face huge risks working along the roadside, and my biggest fear has been that it’s only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs.
“It’s a vital measure that helps make our roads safer and I’m extremely grateful that the Ministers have listened to concerns right across the state.”
The new legislation that will commence a 12 month trial from 1 September 2018, following a comprehensive public education campaign, brings the rules in New South Wales in line with similar initiatives in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria.