The everyday dangers faced by roadside workers and first responders are at the centre of a new campaign from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Road Safety Victoria urging motorists to slow down.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll joined the TAC and Road Safety Victoria to launch the campaign and urge drivers to consider the safety of roadside workers and first responders and slow down when passing them.
“The Transport Accident Commission campaign profiles six people who either work on the roads, or for emergency services, and highlights how their safety is at stake when people speed or drive dangerously past them,” Mr Carroll said.
“Victoria has opened up, the roads are busier and there is a huge program of works being delivered across the State,” he said.
“With hundreds of people out working on the roads, and our first responders continuing their critical role in getting Victoria moving safely again, it’s never been more important to pay extra attention, look out for people working on or near the roads and to slow down.”
Mr Carroll said the campaign, running across digital channels, aimed to raise awareness around the safety of first responders and roadside workers and remind motorists of the laws in place to protect them.
The Minister said that since 2017, drivers in Victoria were required to slow down to 40 km/h or less when passing law enforcement and emergency services that were active or had their lights flashing.
“In addition, it is law to slow down to the posted speed limit when passing other roadside workers,” he said.
“Despite the laws, too many motorists continue to speed and drive dangerously when passing these workers, putting their lives at risk,” Mr Carroll said.
