Today, it’s the law for Indianans to slow down to get around garbage trucks.

That’s the result of work by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and its Indiana Chapter. Members worked tirelessly lobbied for the bill this year as they shepherded it through the Legislature. When Gov. Pence signed HB1305 into law in May, it was cause for celebration as this marked a great victory in our mission to make day-to-day work safer for our workers on our communities’ roadways.

The Hoosier state joins eight other states that have enacted Slow Down to Get Around legislation, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

In Indiana, waste and recycling trucks are classified as utility service vehicles. On July 1, when motorists encounter them on the road, they should change lanes away from the vehicle if they can do so safely. If not, they should reduce their speed 10 mph under the posted speed limit and proceed with caution. Failure to obey the new law carries a fine of up to $500.

We applaud Indiana lawmakers for enacting Slow Down to Get Around. This law will save lives, prevent on-the-job injuries and makes our roads safer.

Enacting this important legislation is just one step in achieving our goal of a safer work environment. Two years ago, Wisconsin enacted Slow Down to Get Around. NWRA recently met with state Rep. John Jagler and Mark Friend, a driver who was injured and lost his leg when a careless driver ran into his garbage truck. We shared ideas on state agencies and the waste and recycling industry could work together to raise public awareness of the danger of speeding around sanitation vehicles.

These first nine states are only the beginning. NWRA chapters across the nation champion efforts to protect our workers and the citizens they serve through advocacy on a wide range of issues, as well as through advanced safety training and certification programs. Learn more about our efforts and get active, by visiting www.wastererecycling.org.