Queensland Roads See Surge in Close Calls for Tow Trucks and Emergency Services

Queensland roads are becoming increasingly dangerous, not just for drivers and passengers, but for the very people tasked with helping them in their time of need. The RACQ has issued a stark warning after a dramatic surge in near misses involving their tow trucks and other emergency service vehicles. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a critical safety issue that threatens the lives of roadside workers.

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Roadside operators … are there to help when you need it most — the least motorists can do is move over and slow down.

The statistics are alarming: a more than threefold increase in near misses in just six months. This surge, occurring during National Road Safety Week, paints a grim picture of driver behavior across the state. The message from the RACQ is clear: motorists are ignoring flashing warning lights and failing to slow down, creating perilous situations for those working on the roadside. This disregard for the law and basic safety protocols is putting lives at risk.

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They are out there saving Queenslanders every day from dangerous and vulnerable situations — we can't have motorists making these situations worse by not following their obligations to give them safe space.

Glenn Toms, RACQ Deputy Chief Executive, expressed his disappointment, noting that these incidents are happening despite existing "Move Over, Slow Down" laws. He emphasized that roadside operators are there to assist in critical moments, and the least motorists can do is adhere to simple legal obligations to give them safe space. The law is straightforward: see flashing lights, move over, and slow down. Failing to do so is not just illegal; it's a dangerous act that could have tragic consequences.

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The law is simple — if you see flashing lights on the roadside, move over and slow down.

With Queensland already experiencing a deadly year on its roads, these roadside incidents add another layer of risk. The RACQ warns that if current trends continue, the state could face one of its deadliest years in recent history. The focus must shift from simply reacting to crashes to preventing further tragedies, and that includes ensuring the safety of those who respond to them. Every close call is a potential fatality, and the responsibility lies with every driver to be more aware and considerate.

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Every one of these close calls could have ended in tragedy. Slowing down and moving over isn't just the law — it's about protecting lives.