Slow Down to Get Around
Slow Down to Get Around
February 9, 2023
Safety
Slow Down to Get Around is a National Safety Campaign that was created to bring awareness to the dangers waste and recycling collection employees face on the job.
This industry campaign has been supported by the NWRA and the Solid Waste Association of North America. Since the campaign started, at least 30 states and one Canadian Province have enacted laws to help protect solid waste workers on the job. This includes Texas. In Texas the “Move Over or Slow Down” law was passed, this law was originally meant to protect emergency vehicles, but in 2019 was expanded to include solid waste collection vehicles and highway maintenance, construction, or utility service vehicles.
Move Over Or Slow Down Law In Texas
As stated in the Texas Transportation Code §545.157 (Act 2019), when passing certain vehicles, a motorist must either slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit (when the speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more), or move out of the lane closest to the vehicle and into an adjacent lane to keep traveling at its current speed. If the posted speed limit is less than 25 miles per hour, a motorist must either reduce their speed to five miles per hour or move out of the lane closest to the vehicle and into an adjacent lane to keep traveling at its current speed.
- An emergency vehicle with its lights flashing
- A stationary tow truck using its equipment (even if its lights are not flashing)
- A TxDOT or highway maintenance or construction vehicle with its lights flashing (unless it is separated from the roadway by a traffic control device)
- A utility service vehicle with its lights flashing
- A stationary solid waste collection vehicle while it is picking up (even if its lights are not flashing)
Being struck by motorists is a leading cause of death for waste collection employees. Keeping our team safe is always a priority here at Coastal Bend Waste, this safety campaign and legislation helps remind motorists to be careful.
Tags :
Coastal Bend Waste,Drive Safe,Move Over Or Slow Down,Safety,Texas Law
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