Chris Pearson, Kyneton
Re your articles ‘Stepping up enforcement’ and ‘Monitoring the new road rule’ of August 21.
In my experience, applying this rule can be hazardous when travelling on the Calder, particularly when traffic is near capacity. I have had three experiences when I have been required to slow down to 40 km/h from 110 km/h, and in each case I have been unable to. The first was when I came across a police car that had pulled up another car just beyond a bend. I braked as soon as I saw the flashing lights, but I was still exceeding 40 km/h when I passed the flashing lights.
The second occasion was when I was following a large truck which effectively masked the road ahead. The truck did not brake, so I had no warning that there was an emergency vehicle coming up. Again, I had insufficient time to take action.
On the third occasion, in heavy traffic, I braked when I saw the lights and nearly got rear-ended by the car behind me. I could see what was going to happen, but there was no opportunity to change lanes as there were cars overtaking in the lane beside me. Fortunately the driver behind was able to slow enough to avoid a collision.
So it’s not as simple as it sounds to obey the law. It takes some time to decelerate safely from 110 km/h to 40 km/h. When there is a long, straight section of road and light traffic there is ample time, but on other occasions the process can be hazardous.
There is also the issue of ambiguity. In your article you mention emergency, enforcement and escort vehicles. Am I required to slow down if I see an escorted schoolroom parked beside the road?
