Motorists will be made to slow down to 25km/h when passing roadside service and recovery vehicles with the implementation of new South Australian road safety laws.
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Passing State Parliament last year, the new laws for safer roads will come into effect May 19 and will expand the existing 25 km/h speed limit for emergency services vehicles to also cover RAA and other roadside service and recovery vehicles when their amber lights are flashing.
This follows RAA’s ‘Slow Down for Yellow Too’ campaign, which insisted for the extension of the laws to protect roadside recovery workers and members of the community at the roadside.
RAA senior manager safety and infrastructure Charles Mountain says these new speed limit laws will greatly improve the safety for roadside workers and the South Australian community.
“Our patrols and tow truck drivers are often helping members just metres from fast-moving traffic — and they deserve to carry out that work in a safe environment,” he says.
“You can’t choose where you breakdown – often it’s on a busy main road or near a precarious intersection – and our patrols and tow truck drivers are often helping vulnerable road users.
“Whether that’s the elderly, a parent with children or any other person stranded at the roadside – it’s not safe for anyone to have cars flying past too fast.”
RAA Road Service recorded 23 reportable safety incidents involving vehicles failing to slow down near breakdowns between 2019 and February 2025.
“Alarmingly, that includes eight incidents where patrol vehicles were struck, and five where traffic cones were hit or dragged down the road,” he says.
“By slowing down for yellow, it will ensure we’re all helping to protect the people they are helping.
“If it were your family stuck on the side of the road, I’m sure you’d want others to slow down to help keep them safe.”
To further educated and raise awareness in the community following these new road safety changes, the RAA will continue to work with the State Government.
“From May 19, the message to drivers is clear — if you see a roadside recovery vehicle with yellow flashing lights, slow down and give space. It’s a simple change that could save a life,” he says.
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