11/05/2026
Did you know, WA's SLOMO (Slow Down, Move Over) laws require drivers to slow to 40kmh around emergency and other first response vehicles displaying flashing emergency lights. 🚨
In addition to police, fire and ambulance vehicles, the law also covers tow truck drivers, roadside assistance vehicles and main roads incident response cars. 🚛
The peak body for WA's tow truck drivers says the death of a truck operator on Forrest Highway shows laws designed to protect vulnerable roadside workers are not being properly enforced.
The 27-year-old man was securing a vehicle on the back of his flatbed truck on Friday night when he was struck and killed by a Toyota Landcruiser.
WA's SLOMO (Slow Down, Move Over) laws require drivers to slow to 40kmh around emergency and other first response vehicles displaying flashing emergency lights.
In addition to police, fire and ambulance vehicles, the law also covers tow truck drivers, roadside assistance vehicles and main roads incident response cars.
But Wayne Russell from the WA Tow Truck Drivers and Owners Association says the law isn't being properly enforced, and the penalty for a breach - currently $300 and three demerit points - is too low.
Mr Russell said he was yet to see anyone booked for speeding past a crash or accident scene, despite witnessing dangerous behaviour on numerous occasions.
"It needs to be a blitz on people that are offending, and the fines need to be massive," he told Chela Williams on Mornings.
"Someone's life has been taken here, there's near-misses every day, with all of us.
"The government needs to be taking things seriously.
"It should be $3000 and six demerit points, and on the second offence it should be loss of license."
The Major Crash Squad is continuing to investigate Friday's crash.
South West Police Superintendent Paul Van Noort said he had passed the man's truck while returning to Bunbury from Perth.
"It clearly stood out to me, I slowed down and moved to the outside lane to steer clear," he said.
"He's somebody's son, he'll have mates and potentially siblings as well.
"It's such an avoidable tragedy."
🎧Listen to the full interview: https://ab.co/3Rx8QbP
