Today marks a day of significant change in SA, with the introduction of a range of new laws and regulations.
“Lower speed limits will be introduced on the SE Freeway, which was a decision made following the recent double fatal crash at the Glen Osmond Road intersection,” said RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain.
“From the Stirling Interchange to the bottom of the freeway all trucks and buses will be required to travel at 60km/h, and all other vehicles will have to slow down to 90km/h.
“Motorists should look out for additional signs about the changes and extra lower speed limit signs.
“This section of the SE Freeway is a particularly long and steep decline, so hopefully with all modes of transport slowing down in this section, all road users will feel safer when travelling on this stretch.”
From today (September 1), motorists also need to slow down when travelling past any emergency service vehicles when their red or blue flashing lights are activated.
Previously motorists had to slow to 40km/h, but now motorists will need to slow down to 25km/h when travelling past Police, Ambulance or Fire crews to allow them to focus on the emergency in safety.
“The 25km/h speed limit also applies between two sets of flashing red or blue lights placed by emergency workers at either end of a length or road where an emergency vehicle has stopped,” said Mr Mountain.
September 1 also marks the scrapping of the annual medical assessment for drivers aged 70 years or older with a “C” class or car licence.
“Drivers who have a pre-existing medical condition, such as low blood pressure, will still need to visit their doctor annually for a medical assessment,” said Mr Mountain.
“Drivers who hold other licence classes may still be required to have an annual medical assessment.
“We encourage drivers of all ages, but particularly those over 70, to personally review their ability to drive safely on an ongoing basis, and if they’ve got any concerns we’d urge them to speak with a medical professional.”
Parents are also reminded that from September 1, a new rule around using a booster seat will be introduced.
You can only use a booster seat with a correctly fitted and adjusted lap sash seatbelt or a child safety harness. It is no longer legal to use a booster seat with just a lap seatbelt.
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