Nationwide Group calls for same roadside protections as emergency service workers

Tow truck drivers and emergency roadside assistance workers who work alongside fast-moving vehicles need the same protection as emergency service and incident response workers.

Victoria remains one of the few jurisdictions in Australia that does not have the rule that requires drivers to slow to 40 kilometres per hour when passing tow trucks or roadside assistance vehicles.

Nationwide Group CEO Michael Stephenson said the Victorian Government needs to amend Road Rule 79A, to give tow truck drivers in Victoria the same protection as in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and the ACT.  This means the rule would apply to vehicles with flashing yellow lights, not just those with red and blue lights.

This rule also protects customers who are waiting on the side of the road.

Victoria’s tow truck drivers are exposed to the same risk as other responders, such as paramedics and police, while working at the side of the road.

“Nationwide Group is the industry leader in towing and transport and pride ourselves on safety and quality for our people and our customers,”

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Mr Stephenson said.