ROAD RULE CHANGE WELCOME

IT is good to see authorities taking steps to curb the road toll in Tasmanian this year. Twenty-six people have died on the state’s roads this year and if the carnage continues the community is headed for a record no one wants.

On Tuesday, the state government announced rules to try to stem the toll with motorists soon required to slow to 40km/h when passing roadside assistance vehicles as part of a road safety crackdown.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson was on hand to explain the law change, which already applied to emergency vehicles.

“As part of National Road Safety Week, I am pleased to announce that on August 1, the new rule will come into force meaning roadside assistance workers conducting call-out or breakdown assistance, towing, battery replacement and other on-road support services, will now also have this protection,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Just like the current rule which requires drivers to safely slow to 40km/h when passing any stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicle with red, blue or magenta flashing lights, now roadside assistance vehicles with flashing yellow lights will also get the same protection.”

It is a good move but one that might need a fair bit of publicity so drivers are aware of the changes and adjust their driving practices.

Because many motorists do not seem to be getting the message.

Earlier this week the Hobart Mercury ran a story about a truck driver with 30 years’ experience who said going to work was like playing Russian roulette on the road.

He blames P-platers and mainlanders for a lot of the issues on the road, saying they were the worst offenders.

Even in and around known black spots he claims motorists continue to do the wrong thing.

Granted, Tassie’s regional roads are not the best when you compare them with mainland equivalents, but that is still no excuse. People should be driving to conditions so that if the unexpected happens, they can take evasive action. Unfortunately that does not always happen and governments have to step in.

When you think about it, slowing down when confronted with the flashing lights of emergency vehicles should be just common sense.

It is the same when passing roadside assistance vehicles or, for that matter, someone who is broken down with hazard lights on.

Thanks to the state government, police now have another way to punish those drivers risking the lives of others.

Let us hope the move and the current police road blitz cuts the toll.