Ohio Law to Help Protect Waste Collectors
Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill July 30 that requires drivers to move over when passing waste collection trucks with flashing lights.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich on July 30 signed a bill into law that requires drivers to move over when passing waste collection trucks with flashing lights. The new law requires drivers to proceed cautiously and change lanes if driving on a roadway with multiple lanes.
Drivers who don't comply would be charged with a minor misdemeanor moving violation and fined up to $300, not including court fees. Further violations could result in a $500 fine and potential jail time.
The Montgomery County Solid Waste District said drivers are often too distracted or impatient to take appropriate safety measures when approaching a waste collection truck. "They just don't use the caution that they should be, when they go around them," said James Profitt, Operations manager for Montgomery County Solid Waste Services Group. "Basically, the law states you need to move over or slow down when you go around."
Kasich signed Senate Bill 127 into law the same day a waste collection vehicle driver was struck by a car and died in Middletown, Ohio.
According to Profitt, trash collection is the fifth deadliest job in the United States.
"We'd been pushing for this because if we save one life with this law, we've done our job," Profitt said.
The law will go into effect 90 days from July 30.