By Allison Strupeck
When considering dangerous jobs, occupations such as police officers, firefighters, loggers, or deep-sea fishermen often come to mind. However, another profession that may not be immediately apparent is waste and recycling collection workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these workers face significant dangers in their line of work.
The primary hazard for these workers is the risk of being struck by a vehicle while they are collecting trash. These incidents have historically been both preventable and tragic. A notable shift occurred with the introduction of a 2019 law designed to offer legal protections similar to those provided for first responders and construction workers.
This legislation is part of the “Slow Down to Get Around” campaign, a national safety initiative aimed at reminding drivers to exercise caution when passing waste and recycling collection vehicles. The law mandates that drivers must either move over or reduce their speed when approaching these vehicles. More than 30 states have implemented this regulation.
Texas joined this initiative in 2019 by amending §545.157 of the Texas Transportation Code. The amendment requires drivers in Texas to slow down to 20 mph (or less if the existing speed limit is lower) when approaching an active waste or recycling vehicle. Failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500 or more.
To ensure the safety of waste and recycling collection workers at Austin Resource Recovery, it is crucial for drivers to adhere to these guidelines and remain vigilant on the road.
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