Passing Emergency Vehicles

Passing Emergency Vehicles

With bushfire season just around the corner, we wish to remind all local motorists to take care whilst driving or riding on our local roads. If a bushfire does occur in the Shire, be diligent and follow the advice of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Police.

When on the road and approaching an emergency, slow down, move over and give space. You must slow down when passing stationary emergency vehicles with flashing blue/red lights, or tow trucks and breakdown assistance vehicles with flashing yellow lights. This rule improves safety for everyone, including the emergency workers on the road and the people they’re helping.

On higher speed roads with a speed limit of 90km/h or more, you must slow down safely to a speed that’s reasonable for the circumstances. You must also leave enough space between your vehicle and the stationary tow truck, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicle with flashing lights. This means you may need to change lanes if it’s safe to do so.

For speed limits of 80km/h or less – you must slow down to 40km/h when passing stationary tow trucks, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicles with flashing lights.

You must also give way to any person on foot near these stationary vehicles with flashing lights. You must not increase your speed until you’re safely past all the vehicles and people involved. This rule does not apply if a stationary tow truck, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicle with flashing lights is on the opposite side of a divided road separated by a median strip.

• Here are some basic tips to stay safe on the road around bushfires:
  Follow the advice of the Rural Fire Service and Police; listen to your local radio for updates on fire conditions in your area and check Live Traffic NSW website for updates on road closures.
• Avoid driving in areas where controlled burning and bushfires are burning. You should only drive during a bushfire as a last resort or if instructed to do so.
• Turn your headlights on. Smoke from fires decreases visibility of your car.
• Ensure your car has  plenty of water and fuel and there is water for anyone in the car.
• If you stop your car to plan your trip or safe exit from the bushfire area park well off the road and turn your hazard lights on.

For more information visit: roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au