The state government has introduced legislation to parliament that if passed will force drivers to slow to 25km/h when they see a stationary RAA van or tow truck flashing its amber lights.

The change - which will bring the speed limit in line with the 25km/h already in place when passing emergency service vehicles with flashing lights - is aimed at improving safety for breakdown service workers as well as motorists and passengers waiting at the roadside.

Failure to slow down may result in a fine and loss of demerit points based on the level of speeding. If successfully prosecuted for the offence, a driver faces a maximum penalty of up to $2500.

The new speed limit will not apply if the RAA van or tow truck is on the opposite side of the road you are travelling.

RAA workers attend more than 950 callouts a day in South Australia. An increasing number of these are on high-speed arterial roads where workers, as well as motorists and passengers, are particularly vulnerable.

In the past four years there have been 20 reportable safety incidents caused by cars driving past breakdowns without due care, according to RAA data.

This included five incidents in which vans were hit by a car or motorcycle, and seven where traffic cones were knocked over or dragged down the road.

RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain welcomed any more that improved safety for patrols and the community.

"Our patrols are often helping some of the most vulnerable South Australians on our busiest and most dangerous roads," Mr Mountain said.

"We’ve seen dozens of near misses and our patrol vans have been hit five times over the last several years so it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.

"When you see the amber flashing lights of a breakdown service vehicle attending to someone’s car, please check your surroundings and safely reduce your speed so we can all get home safely."