By RUBY HYLAND
CHANGES to road rules has Bridgewater motor mechanic and tow truck owner Tim Ferguson relieved for roadside assists.
The new rule, which was announced earlier this year, from this week requires motorists to slow to 40kmh when passing incident response vehicles that display flashing lights of any colour. 
Tim offers emergency roadside assistance and towing as part of his business, Ferguson Motors in Bridgewater. 
Of his experience as roadside assistance he said, “We’ve had trucks flying past us doing 100 when we’re trying to tow vehicles, it feels like the moment your foot touches the white line you’re going to get run over.”
The change applies to road rule 79A which came into effect in 2017, which had already required Victorian motorists to slow down to 40kmh when passing stationary emergency services vehicles - police, ambulance, fire brigades - displaying red or blue flashing lights. 
This has now been expanded to include accident towing vehicles, breakdown towing services, roadside assistance operators, Peninsula Link Incident Response vehicles and EastLink and Transurban Incident Response vehicles. 
The change has been welcomed by RACV and its roadside assistance team, following a two-year campaign to review and expand the road rule.
RACV general manager automotive services Makarla Cole urged motorists to be aware of the rule change so that they could create the safest environment possible for roadside and incident response workers.
“We’re grateful that the Victorian State Government has made this change to improve the safety outcomes and working conditions of roadside and incident response workers,” Ms Cole said.
“Now that we have had an important and much-needed update to 79A, it’s up to Victorians to do their part and ensure these vital workers can do their jobs without fear of harm and get home to their families safely,” Ms Cole said.
Non-compliance with the updated 79A rule may result in a maximum fine of $961. No demerit points are imposed.
The TAC says the 40kmh limit when passing emergency vehicles helps with incident management.