The Nebraska legislature passed LB 909 on April 6.

Waste360 Staff, Staff

April 13, 2018

2 Min Read
Slow Down to Get Around Legislation Pushes Forward in Nebraska

On April 6, the Nebraska legislature passed LB 909, which contains language that would require drivers to slow down and safely change lanes when approaching solid waste and recycling vehicles from behind. This legislation, commonly known as Slow Down to Get Around, is a priority for the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), which represents America’s private waste and recycling industry.

“NWRA is committed to making our industry safer. Getting Slow Down to Get Around legislation passed in state houses around the country is a priority for us. I know our members in Nebraska worked diligently on this issue. I congratulate them on their success,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith in a statement.

NWRA member companies have been diligent in providing advanced safety training for drivers and those who hop off the trucks to make collections. Over the past four years, NWRA member companies and its chapters nationwide have successfully championed Slow Down to Get Around legislation, which is now enacted in 17 states and under consideration in several more. Nebraska Senators Curt Friesen and Burke Harr were instrumental in helping to navigate this important legislation. 

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is also supportive of the adoption of Slow Down to Get Around legislation.

“SWANA is very pleased that a Slow Down to Get Around bill law will take effect later this year in Nebraska,” says David Biderman, CEO and executive director of SWANA. “SWANA has played an active role supporting similar efforts this year in Ohio, Maryland and elsewhere. However, in order to reduce the industry’s unacceptable safety record, we can’t just blame distracted drivers. We need to focus on the unsafe behaviors of both the industry’s workers and the driving public.”

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signed the legislation into law on April 11, and it will go into effect on April 12.

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