Motorists are required to slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying its blue or red flashing lights otherwise risk a hefty fine.
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The new road rule, which came into effect on September 1, is aimed at improving the safety of emergency workers including police, firefighters, ambulance and State Emergency Service when they are stopped on the road.
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“The new road rule will provide extra protection for all emergency workers and volunteers who respond to crashes and other incidents on our roads,” Bernard Carlon, head of the NSW Centre for Road Safety, said.
“When you see the blue or red flashing lights on an emergency vehicle stopped on the road, safely reduce your speed so that you are not exceeding 40km/h when you pass.
“Keep to 40km/h until you’ve safely passed all people and emergency vehicles.
“We want to ensure that people protecting us on our road network don’t become casualties while doing their jobs. This rule will give extra protection and confidence that at the end of a shift they can go home safely to families and friends,” he said.
The new rule also requires motorists to give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency vehicle.
Motorists should not increase their speed until they are a safe distance past the vehicle, so as not to cause a danger to anyone in the vicinity.
Motorists who do not comply with the rule will face a $448 fine and three demerit points.
The NSW Government will monitor the safety and traffic impacts of the rule over a 12-month trial period in consultation with NSW Police, emergency service organisations and other stakeholders.
For more information about the new road rule, visit the NSW Transport website.
