Road regulation enhances safety for first responders in Victoria

Road Regulation Enhances Safety for First Responders in Victoria

Victoria's government confirms its commitment to protecting roadside workers and emergency services, recognising their role in helping Victorians during moments of significant need. This road rule improves safety for anyone attending an incident on our state's roads.

Quick Summary

• Road Rule 79A now covers accident towing, breakdown towing, roadside assistance and service vehicles.
• Drivers must slow to 40 km/h when passing stationary vehicles displaying flashing lights.
• Changes take effect from 1 July, expanding protections beyond enforcement and fire crews.

On Wednesday, Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne revealed that Road Rule 79A will be extended, enabling workers and volunteers to carry out their tasks without fearing safety risks, whether they're dealing with an accident, a breakdown, or a situation posing a threat to life.

Background on Road Rule 79A

Established in 2017, Road Rule 79A requires drivers and riders to reduce speed to 40 km/h upon encountering stationary emergency or enforcement vehicles displaying flashing lights in red, blue, magenta, or yellow. This rule has long protected police, fire and ambulance personnel while they perform roadside duties.

What's Changing From 1 July

Road Rule 79A will be revised to include accident towing, breakdown towing, roadside assistance, and all service vehicles responding to incidents. Tow truck operators and roadside assistance crews will now receive the same protective space as enforcement personnel and fire crews.

Colours of the blinking lights specified within the regulation remain unchanged, so motorists won't need to learn new visual cues — just extend existing caution to a broader range of roadside workers.

Why This Matters for Safety Professionals

Roadside works often place personnel dangerously close to moving traffic. Extending 40 km/h protections gives tow operators, breakdown crews and other frontline staff room to work safely, reducing risk of collision while attending incidents.

For organisations managing fleets, incident response teams or roadside crews across Victoria, understanding these updated obligations helps ensure compliance and supports safer outcomes for staff. Employers should review site-specific procedures and update safe work method statements for roadside works to reflect the broadened scope of RR79A.

Businesses supporting first responders and emergency personnel may also find value in reviewing how other jurisdictions approach worker wellbeing — see how the NSW Government enhances mental health assistance for first responders through its own strategy.

Find out more on the Victorian Government website.