RACT is urging Tasmanian drivers to slow down around roadside assistance teams, putting the spotlight on the dangers faced by workers helping stranded motorists.
Speaking out this National Road Safety Week, RACT General Manager of Advocacy and Government Relations Mel Percival said everyone plays a part in road safety.
“Our statewide roadside workers are often in vulnerable and dangerous situations, as we help people with vehicle issues,” Percival said.
“They are only one group of the many Tasmanians that work on and around our roads including road-work crews, emergency services and heavy vehicle maintenance workers.”
The organisation has nearly 70 roadside patrols and tow trucks responding to an average of 181 calls daily across Tasmania.
While no crashes involving RACT vehicles have occurred this year, staff regularly report near misses due to motorists failing to slow down when passing incidents.
“This is their workplace, imagine someone speeding through yours,” Percival said.
Under Tasmanian road rule 79A, drivers must slow down when approaching emergency or roadside assist vehicles with flashing lights or sirens.
“Every time a driver ignores this rule, they put lives at risk,” Percival warned.
