NEW LAW: 25 KM/H when passing Roadside Assistance Vehicles

When Passing a stationary Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) roadside assistance vehicle on the side of the road displaying its flashing amber coloured hazard lights, you will now be required to slow down to 25 km/h.

New legislation passed last week by the South Australian Parliament is an effort to improve safety for roadside assistance mechanics and motorists in automotive distress.

RAA has reported 20 safety incidents caused by cars driving past breakdowns without due care in the past four years, including five incidents in which service vans were hit by a car or motorcycle, and seven where traffic cones were knocked over or dragged down the road by passing vehicles.

Drivers caught failing to slow down to 25 km/h will receive fines of up to $2500 and accrue demerit points.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said the extension of existing laws to protect Emergency Services Vehicles to include RAA workers was a common-sense measure that protected the people who helped motorists when car troubles struck.

“A vehicle breakdown is not only inconvenient, it can also create an unsafe situation for the driver and their passengers, as well as the professionals who come to help,” he said.

“While roadside workers do what they can to make the breakdown site safe and keep everyone at a safe distance, inattentive driving – and going past too fast – can have dire consequences for all.

“When you see an RAA patrol van flashing amber lights and traffic cones at the roadside, please slow down and adhere to the reduced speed limit,” he added. “Workers might be out of sight, underneath the vehicle working on a repair or changing a tyre – and there may also be small children nearby waiting with their family to get back on the road.”