With National Road Safety Week underway, RAC is reminding motorists to slow down and look out for roadside workers who risk their lives every day to help keep us moving.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs, Will Golsby, said close proximity to the high speeds of passing motorists meant roadside workers and the community at the breakdown situation were often exposed to serious hazards.
“The roadside, particularly in high-speed areas, is a dangerous place for stranded motorists, road workers, emergency-response personnel, and roadside assistance patrols,” Mr Golsby said.
“Everyone should feel safe in their workplace and we urge WA drivers to remember this next time they pass someone on the side of the road.
The road safety message follows the commencement of WA’s new Slow Down, Move Over (SLOMO) law in March, which requires motorists approaching the flashing lights of incident response vehicles, including RAC patrols, to slow down, move over (if possible) and pass at 40km/h.
According to the State Government, from 2012 to 2016 there were 43 casualties involving people in emergency lanes and those working on the roadside.
RAC Roadside Assistance Patrol, Luke Brown, said each call out he attended — particularly those on high-speed roads — presented a number of safety challenges.
“We take every precaution to ensure the safety of ourselves and our members as we work to get everyone back on the road safely and we appreciate motorists also using care and patience as they pass by,” Mr Brown said.
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RAC’S BREAKDOWN SAFETY GUIDE
Car breakdowns are a fact of driving - here's how to stay safe when your vehicle stops unexpectedly. Keep calm and follow these steps:
1. PULL OVER
If you can, find a safe place to pull over – off the road or in the emergency breakdown lane.
2. TURN ON YOUR HAZARD LIGHTS
Parking lights are also a good idea if it’s dark or there is poor visibility.
3. GET OUT OF THE CAR
If it’s safe, exit your car from the side away from the traffic. Always check for traffic first and close the car door behind you. If it’s not safe to exit your car, stay inside with your seatbelt on.
4. STAND CLEAR OF ALL TRAFFIC
Stand clear of the road and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid crossing the road at all times. Stand behind the safety barrier if there is one. Wait under some shade if it’s a hot day.
5. CALL FOR HELP
Call a roadside assistance provider or tow company on your mobile. If you don’t have a mobile, use a roadside emergency phone if there’s one nearby (and it’s safe to leave your car). If you are outside the vehicle, try to face the traffic when you make the call - just in case you need to move to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
6. STAY CALM
As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. Help may take longer to arrive if you are on a country road.
7. WAIT IT OUT
Wait in your safe place for help to arrive and then follow their instructions.
