MIA emergency service personnel could soon benefit from a new law that would see speed limits in place in high-risk situations.
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The NW Government says the proposed changes would implement a 40 km/h speed limit for any road user passing an emergency vehicle.
It’s a move welcomed by several emergency service teams, including Griffith’s Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Hanwood RFS Captain Darrell Wallace happy to see NSW follow the lead of other states.
”I think it’s a great idea. It’s been implemented in other states across Australia so we’re following suit,” he said.
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He says there’s a lot of movement on the scene of an emergency.
“We have personnel getting in and outside of trucks. A lack of space puts members at risk and puts vehicles and other vehicles at risk.”
He pointed to an incident in Sydney where a police officer was severely injured after a car ploughed through an RBT site.
“If we’re focusing on the emergency at hand, we don’t often have the room to see those peripherals,” he said.
He says there are a few things people can do to make the job easier for community services.
”If emergency services are already on site it’s about obeying any action given by emergency service,” he said.
“If you’re the first on scene, don’t stop on the road. Give yourself space and keep yourself safe as well. If you hear lights and sirens, it’s about indicating and pulling over to the left as soon as possible.”
