Sarah’s Rule: What NSW Drivers Need to Know About Slowing Down for Emergency Vehicles – Tynan Motors Safety Update
At Tynan Motors, road safety is a value we live by every day—not just in the vehicles we sell, but in how we educate and support drivers in our community. One of the most vital road rules introduced in recent years is Sarah’s Rule, aimed at protecting emergency and roadside workers across New South Wales.
Whether you’re heading out on the Hume Highway or navigating through suburban Sydney, understanding how to respond to stationary emergency vehicles is essential for keeping everyone safe.
🚨 What Is Sarah’s Rule?
Introduced in NSW on 1st September 2018, this rule requires drivers and riders to reduce speed when passing stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing blue, red, or amber lights.
The law was inspired by a tragic incident in 2012 involving Sarah Frazer, who lost her life after her vehicle broke down on the side of the Hume Highway. The tow truck driver who came to help was also fatally struck. Their story prompted the creation of the SARAH Group (Safer Australian Roads and Highways), which continues to advocate for roadside safety.
🛑 How Should Drivers Respond?
Here’s what you need to do when you approach a stationary emergency or roadside assistance vehicle with flashing lights:
✅ If the speed limit is 80 km/h or below:
- Slow down to 40 km/h as you pass the vehicle
- Be prepared to change lanes if safe to do so
✅ If the speed limit is above 80 km/h:
- Reduce your speed to a safe and reasonable level for the situation
- Change lanes if safe, to give extra room to emergency workers
⚠️ Important Note: This rule does not apply when the stationary vehicle is on the opposite side of a divided road with a median strip.
🚑 Which Vehicles Are Covered by the Rule?
Drivers must comply when passing any of the following stationary vehicles displaying flashing blue, red, or amber lights:
- NSW Police Force vehicles
- Ambulance Service of NSW
- Fire & Rescue NSW
- State Emergency Service
- Rural Fire Service
- Volunteer Rescue Association
- Transport Emergency Patrol
- Traffic Command vehicles
- Tow trucks
- NRMA Roadside Assistance and other breakdown support vehicles
At Tynan Motors, we encourage drivers to always show courtesy and caution to all roadside workers—not just emergency responders.
💸 What Are the Penalties?
Failing to comply with Sarah’s Rule can result in:
- A $544 fine
- 3 demerit points
In busy areas or near school zones, these penalties could increase. And most importantly, failure to slow down puts lives at risk.
🌏 How Does NSW Compare to Other States?
NSW isn’t alone—similar legislation exists in:
- Victoria
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Internationally, many countries have adopted similar rules in the interest of protecting roadside emergency and recovery workers.
🚘 Tynan Motors Supports Safer Roads for Everyone
At Tynan Motors, we’re proud to support safe driving initiatives like Sarah’s Rule. Many of the vehicles we sell feature advanced driver-assistance technologies, such as:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Collision warning systems
But no system replaces the importance of driver awareness and responsible behaviour, especially when emergency vehicles are present.
✅ Safety Is in Your Hands
The next time you spot flashing lights ahead—slow down, move over, and drive with care. It's not just the law—it's the right thing to do.
For more safety tips, vehicle checks, or information about driver-assist technology that helps keep you and others protected, visit your nearest Tynan Motors dealership.
Tynan Motors – Driving Responsibility, Supporting Community.
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Credit: MyNRMA.com.au