Slow Down to Get Around Legislation Adopted In Kentucky

The law went into effect upon the signature of the governor on March 16.

Waste360 Staff, Staff

April 10, 2017

2 Min Read
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Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin(R), has signed into law legislation that will protect workers in the waste and recycling industry.

HB144, Kentucky’s version of the Slow Down to Get Around law, requires motorists to slow down or move out of the way of waste and recycling vehicles. The bill was co-sponsored by Representatives Sal Santoro (R-60) and David Hale (R-74.)

Kentucky is now the 13th state to enact this legislation, commonly referred to as Slow Down to Get Around, which is designed to protect waste and recycling workers. The Kentucky State Chapter of the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) took the steps to develop this legislation and achieve its support in the Kentucky legislature.

The law went into effect upon the signature of the governor on March 16, and requires motorists to slow down around waste and recycling trucks when actively engaged in making collections when safety lights are flashing, similar to cautions motorists must now exercise when traveling through a construction work zone or when passing a stopped public safety vehicle.

Slow Down to Get Around is a nationwide campaign by NWRA and its state chapters. The effort in Kentucky involved a broad coalition of private waste and recycling companies, labor groups and municipal leaders in getting this important worker safety measure enacted into law.

“This law is about the safety of waste and recycling collectors who serve our communities statewide,” Robert Lee, CEO EcoTech Waste Logistics and Kentucky Chapter Chair of NWRA, said in a statement. “All motorists are to exercise caution and must slow down to get around waste and recycling vehicles, which will save lives and prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries. Our focus now turns to raising awareness of the new law and educating residents of the dangers that collection workers face daily on our roadways.”

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