Protect those who protect and assist us

National Road Safety Week is in full swing, and it's a perfect opportunity for us all to come together and make our roads safer.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said today's national theme, Protect Those Who Protect and Assist Us, really hit home.

“It's all about looking out for those who are out there on the front line, keeping us safe day in and day out,” said Minister Ellis.

“Our amazing emergency responders – from Tasmania Police to the Tasmania Fire Service, SES, Ambulance Tasmania, and our roadside assistance workers - work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and they need our support to stay safe themselves.

“The Tasmanian Liberal Government has implemented new laws ensuring motorists slow down when we see those flashing lights.

“Whether it's a police car, ambulance, or even a tow truck or RACT van with its lights on, it's the law to slow to 40km/h if safe to do so.

“As a Government, we’re taking further action to protect our community under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

“We’re introducing new legislation to crack down on hooning, road rage and vehicle theft – including a new offence for road rage, double penalties for dangerous or reckless driving and motor vehicle theft, and making it easier to take hoons’ cars from them.

“And we’re getting on with it – we’ve committed to begin drafting this legislation within the first 100 Days.”

For more information about National Road Safety Week, visit https://roadsafetyweek.com.au/