Traffic cop’s close call caught on tape

NEWLY released body cam footage has revealed the dangers Tasmania Police face when conducting traffic stops on the state’s roads.

The footage coincides with National Road Safety Week which is focused on the theme “Protect our Protectors”.

The campaign calls for road users to slow down to protect those who serve the community – including Tasmania Police officers.

The shocking footage shows a white sedan which appears to not heed an officer’s warning to stop at a traffic stop in the state’s north.

The officer wearing the body camera is forced to jump out of the road of the vehicle – all the while yelling “stop” and gesturing with his hands for the car to slow down.

Inspector Darren Hopkins said he hoped the footage would drive home the point that it is a legal requirement to slow down to 40km/h when approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing.

“This road rule was introduced in December 2019 to help keep first responders safe when attending incidents and emergencies on our roads, but unfortunately examples like this are all too common,” Inspector Hopkins said.

“Rule 79a applies when approaching any stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicle with lights flashing, whatever direction you are travelling in, unless there is a dividing barrier.”

According to police, 472 people were proceeded against for breaking that law in the last financial year.

“We’re reminding all Tasmanians to slow down, so police and other emergency workers can do their jobs and help others, without putting their own lives on the line,” Inspector Hopkins said.