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New laws to make South Australian roads safer will come into effect on 19 May, requiring motorists to slow down to 25km/h when passing roadside service and recovery vehicles.
The new laws, which passed State Parliament last year, 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.
It follows RAA’s ‘Slow Down for Yellow Too’ campaign, which called 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 said it was reassuring to see these important changes coming into effect to help keep South Australians safe at the roadside.
“With the new speed limit laws coming into effect from 19 May, we’re entering a new era of improved safety for roadside workers and the South Australian community they’re there to help,” Mr Mountain said.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Between 2019 and February 2025, RAA Road Service recorded 23 reportable safety incidents involving vehicles failing to slow down near breakdowns.
“Alarmingly, that includes eight incidents where patrol vehicles were struck, and five where traffic cones were hit or dragged down the road.
“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.”
RAA will continue to work with the State Government to help educate and raise awareness in the community regarding these new road safety changes.
“We’ll be working to ensure our members, and the wider public understand the new laws and why they matter,” Mr Mountain said.