A tow-truck operator is questioning emergency response incident regulations that he says are putting drivers’ lives at risk.
Trevor Oliver, who was struck by a passing vehicle three years ago at a Pykes Creek accident site, is concerned over confusing laws introduced in July 2017 that say drivers need to slow down to 40km/h when seeing the flashing lights of emergency services responders such as police, ambulance and firefighters.
But tow-truck drivers, who are often the first – and sometimes only responders – on the scene, are exempt from warning drivers with their own truck.
“Approximately 60 per cent of country road accidents are not attended by Police, CFA or SES operators due to lack of resources and coverage over a large geographic area,” Mr Oliver said. “There is also no legal requirement for emergency services personnel to attend such accidents. As such, it is left to the towing operators to ensure that employees are kept safe.”
Read the rest of the story in the Blue Mountains Gazette
