EMERGENCY services go above and beyond to protect the community, who protects them?
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The Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) believes more needs to be done to protect emergency workers on the road.
The organisation has called on the government to implement a new law that would require drivers to slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary or slow moving emergency vehicle with flashing lights or sirens.
It believes drivers should only increase their speed again when reaching a safe distance from the scene.
Griffith Local Area Command Chief Inspector John Wadsworth said while he couldn’t comment on police, protecting emergency workers at the scene of an accident was crucial.
“Anything that would protect our workers would be something we would welcome,” he said.
“Emergency services can be placed in danger themselves when attending accident scenes, so it is important they are protected as well.
“Our job is to protect the public, but sometimes this does put emergency workers at risk.” Victoria and South Australia have already taken steps in this direction.
The law would be consistent with the same legislation already used where “vulnerable” road users are present, like school zones, school buses and roadwork sites.
“The RFSA will continue to lobby and work with government in advocating the adoption of a 40km/h speed limit as a means to safeguard the safety of the people who protect and safeguard the community,” RFSA president Ken Middleton said.