Greensborough Highway Patrol is running a three-day road policing operation to educate drivers on the importance of slowing down to 40km when passing emergency service workers.
Operation Synergy will kick off today across the Darebin, Banyule, Nillumbik, and Whittlesea police service areas.
Greensborough Highway Patrol Sergeant Simon Borg said that if motorists see flashing lights ahead, they need to reduce speed, pay attention and slow to 40km when passing.
"Slowing for those few short seconds allows us to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible," Sgt Borg said.
"When dealing with life-threatening situations on the roadside, the behaviour of passing motorists can make all the difference in someone living or dying."
Recent studies show that the Victorian community know about the rule, but choose not to comply.
"We need the community to understand that they need to slow down when passing emergency services vehicles. We do not want cars and trucks coming past at 100km an hour when we are trying to do our job," Sgt Borg said.
"The roadside is dangerous and we need this rule to protect our people. Near misses are far too common."
Roads and roadsides are dangerous, unpredictable and ever-changing environments for all emergency services workers, as well as for any members of the public who may be helping at the scene of an incident. Depending on circumstances around the breach, police have discretion to issue an infringement notice or a warning.
"This operation is just as much about community education, as it is about active enforcement," Sgt Borg said.
"Every time we pull someone over for not complying, my officers will be having a chat and providing them with an information flyer that highlights the importance of complying.
"Slowing down to 40km may be a small inconvenience for you, but it makes a world of difference in keeping our people safe."
Anyone who fails to slow down to 40km when passing emergency service workers may receive a $289 fine.
