UPDATE: Authorities in Tasmania have issued urgent warnings to drivers, highlighting a dangerous trend that could endanger roadside workers’ lives and lead to fines up to $2,800. The alarming behavior involves ignoring speed limits when passing roadside assistance crews, posing serious risks to those trying to help stranded motorists.
In recent weeks, officials have reported a surge in violations, with over 20 drivers booked for speeding within just 45 minutes during enforcement operations. Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent stated, “The signs on the side of the road are not there to irritate you. They’re there to let you know that road conditions have changed.” This statement underscores the necessity for compliance with speed regulations designed to protect workers on the road.
New laws in South Australia and Victoria mandate slowing down to 25 km/h and 40 km/h respectively when passing roadside assistance crews. However, Tasmania has faced ongoing issues with drivers disregarding these rules. Andrew Winch, CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania, emphasized, “It’s still the number one issue — safety for our workforce. We want people to go home safe to their families.”
The situation is increasingly dire, with reports of workers facing daily abuse and life-threatening conditions. Traffic controllers experience verbal harassment and close calls with speeding vehicles. A recent survey by the Traffic Management Association of Australia revealed that 43 percent of traffic management workers have witnessed complete non-compliance with temporary speed limits. Peter Dixon, chairperson in Tasmania, believes the actual figure could be as high as 75 percent.
Roadside workers describe feeling “very vulnerable” and “terrified” as vehicles speed by at 80 km/h in areas where the limit is reduced to 40 km/h. These conditions not only jeopardize the safety of the workers but also threaten the lives of the very drivers they aim to assist.
Patroller Johnny Dipietro shared a harrowing experience, stating, “I had a vehicle that almost hit me, and I’ll tell you what, it was really scary.” Incident responder Steven Bevens echoed this sentiment, noting that close calls are an “everyday occurrence for our staff” on busy roads.
With enforcement ramping up, Tasmanian drivers must heed these warnings to avoid hefty fines and, more importantly, to safeguard the lives of roadside workers. As operations continue, authorities will be monitoring compliance closely. The message is clear: obey the speed limits and ensure safety for everyone on the road.
For those wishing to report unsafe driving behavior, tips can be sent to [email protected]. Follow us on social media for ongoing updates on this critical issue.
