The AA, RAC and Green Flag, the nation’s three largest breakdown
organisations, have joined forces to call for enhanced motorway
safety rules to protect road users as well as recovery patrols.
Following several serious incidents affecting their vehicle
recovery staff which includes the death of an RAC roadside
technician* and two other recovery drivers, the trio have written
to Road Safety Minister calling for the introduction
of a “slow down, move over” rule when drivers pass a broken-down
vehicle or a recovery vehicle with flashing amber beacons.
Within the letter** the three companies say; “we have
strengthened our resolve to work together to do all that we can
to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
The AA has previously written to Mr Norman suggesting changes to
the Highway Code*** ahead of the new rules implemented in July
which enabled learner drivers to have lessons on motorways****,
but these recommendations were not adopted.
As well as changes to the Highway Code, the trio have called on
the Department for Transport to sponsor a THINK! road safety
campaign highlighting the dangers faced by patrols and members of
the public broken-down at the roadside.
Since the beginning of the year, all three organisations have
experienced numerous cases where patrols have nearly been hit by
a passing vehicle while attending a breakdown.
Edmund King, AA president says; “Standing at the side of a
motorway is a frightening experience, but our patrols rescue
stranded motorists daily in all weathers. Unfortunately their
safety is being compromised by some who drive too fast and too
close.
“Between our organisations we have seen too many near misses and
too many fatalities caused by this problem. That needs to change
quickly.
“Slow down, move over is not a difficult request, but this simple
act of kindness will make a world of difference to vulnerable
drivers, patrols and road workers alike.”
James Knight, chief operations officer for the RAC says; “Working
or breaking down at the side of a busy road or motorway is a
nerve-racking experience and one we know carries risks. We do
everything we can to minimise the dangers and to ensure our
patrols put their own safety and that of drivers and passengers
first.
“But in light of the recent fatalities we now urgently need the
Government to work with us to raise awareness of the issue among
drivers and to promote a ‘slow down, move over’ message. This
must be backed by a high-profile publicity campaign and a change
to the Highway Code.
“Sadly, we have seen the human cost of such incidents. Earlier
this year we lost one of our patrols while helping a member who
had broken down on a dual carriageway. This was a tragic accident
and a terrible shock to all of us at the RAC and we know it has
affected colleagues in other organisations as well.”
Damon Jowett, head of service delivery at Green Flag, said; “Much
investment has been undertaken to allow the continuous flow of
traffic on the UK’s major roads, and motorways are becoming more
responsive in real time to constantly manage the volumes of road
users.
“While this is a positive step in enabling road users to get to
their destination more easily, rule changes and greater awareness
is needed, to ensure roadside recovery workers on all roads
including, motorways and main carriage ways are not left even
more vulnerable”
