A lowered speed limit doesn't always come with a sign - sometimes it's flashing lights.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Since September 2018, it has been the law in NSW that drivers must slow down to 40km/h when they see emergency service lights flashing.
The Rural Fire Service Association backs the law. Ian Dollery, from the Cambewarra fire brigade, says the rule helps both paid and volunteer firefighters get to accidents earlier and stay safe.
"I understand that new road rules can take some time to get used to, but slowing down while we are assisting those in need on the side of the road is vital to ensuring our safety," Mr. Dollery said.
"When we attend incidents on the highway with semis and B-doubles zooming by, the driver has to get out on the driver side with traffic next to them.
"There are other dangers to contend with aside from the speed of traffic - the draught from a big truck can easily cause a person to fall, or it can pick up debris from an accident and propel it towards working fire fighters.
"With the red and blue flashing lights, you really can't miss us - so please slow down to 40km/h when you see us and let us go home to our families at night."
NSW RFSA President, Ken Middleton, echoed Ian's sentiment, saying the 40km/h legislation saves peoples lives and allows emergency service workers to feel safe at work.
"We need to think of the men and women who volunteer at the risk of their own lives to save others, we need to do all we can to minimise the risk to them," said Mr. Middleton.
"Slowing down when you see flashing lights is a simple way we can all help to ensure we don't make some of the more harrowing situations on our roads worse and allow our emergency service workers can do their job."
