Missouri passes Slow Down to get Around legislation

Missouri passes Slow Down to get Around legislation
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The Missouri General Assembly approved legislation May 19, 2017, that is designed to protect workers in the waste and recycling industry on the state’s roadways, making it the 16th state to pass such legislation, commonly referred to as Slow Down to Get Around (SDTGA). The Missouri Chapter of the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, worked with key stakeholders to develop this legislation and achieve its support in the Missouri legislature, according to a news release from the NWRA.

Missouri’s version of the Slow Down to Get Around law requires motorists who approach a stationary vehicle displaying lighted amber or amber and white lights to proceed with caution and yield the right of way, if possible with regard to safety and traffic conditions, by navigating into a lane not adjacent to that of the stationary vehicle if on a roadway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or proceed with caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be unsafe or impossible.

Passage of this legislation was accomplished by modifying an existing Missouri law requiring motorists to slow down if approaching flashing lights on stationary vehicles to now include the waste and recycling industry. This effort was led in the Missouri legislature by Sen.Dan Hegeman and Rep. Craig Redmon. Sen. Dave Schatz, chair of Transportation, helped shepherd this expansion of the current law to include the waste and recycling industry in this safety bill, according to the NWRA.

The law goes into effect Aug. 28, 2017.

“We are very pleased to know that, because of this law, our industry employees on Missouri roadways will be safer,” says Kevin O’Brien, chair of the NWRA Missouri chapter and manager for WCA. “What we need now is for the public to be aware and follow this law. We need motorists to be on the watch for flashing amber or amber and white lights on trucks, and then actively exercise caution around them. Following this law will save lives by preventing unnecessary accidents and injuries.”

The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the waste and recycling collection occupation ranks fifth in the nation for fatal work injury rates.  Recent data shows that many accidents involving waste and recycling collection workers are caused by inattentive motorists or by distracted driving.  

Slow Down to Get Around is a nationwide campaign by NWRA and its state chapters. NWRA says it encourages motorists in all states to be aware of the roadside dangers facing waste and recycling collection workers. NWRA says it is asking the media, public safety and transportation agencies along with community leaders in Missouri to educate motorists about the new law.

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Source: Recycling Today
Missouri passes Slow Down to get Around legislation
<![CDATA[The Missouri General Assembly approved legislation May 19, 2017, that is designed to protect workers in the waste and recycling industry on the state’s roadways, making it the 16th state to pass such legislation, commonly referred to as Slow Down to Get Around (SDTGA). The Missouri Chapter of the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, worked with key stakeholders to develop this legislation and achieve its support in the Missouri legislature, according to a news release from the NWRA. Missouri’s version of the Slow Down to Get Around law requires motorists who approach a stationary vehicle displaying lighted amber or amber and white lights to proceed with caution and yield the right of way, if possible with regard to safety and traffic conditions, by navigating into a lane not adjacent to that of the stationary vehicle if on a roadway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or proceed with caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be unsafe or impossible. Passage of this legislation was accomplished by modifying an existing Missouri law…