The new road rules come into force on September 16, with the State Government due to launch an education campaign aimed at keeping emergency service workers safe.

“The rule is simple – if you see flashing lights at the roadside, move over and slow down,” Transport Minister Mark Bailey said.

“We know many people already do it, but this change makes it clear that you must do it to keep the people helping in an incident safe from harm.”

The new rule applies to ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, and transport enforcement vehicles, as well as breakdown assistance providers such as RACQ, tow trucks and assistance vehicles.

“It is no accident that we are making this announcement during Queensland Road Safety Week,” he said.

“Every day, every Queensland road user has a role to play in keeping themselves and each other safe – and that includes keeping our emergency response workers safe as they care for others.

RACQ’s Glenn Toms said the organisation had been advocating for the change since 2017, with 90 percent of its members in favour of government taking legislative action.

“Emergency responders, including our roadside crews, put their lives on the line each and every day by working in high-risk and often high-speed environments to rescue stranded motorists, but one wrong move by a passing driver could end in tragedy,” he said.

“This new rule will require Queenslanders to change the way they drive around roadside incidents to give responders a safe space to do their job – so they can continue to help the people they’re there to protect, and ensure everyone gets home safely.”