Last week, another Greater Cincinnati trash collector was struck by a driver not paying attention. It’s a scary reminder of the dangers they face each day. But the state’s new distracted driving law is trying to change that. “It’s always in the back of your mind,” said Rumpke driver Peter Burrell. “The number of close calls we get every day, it’s scary.”
Burrell is one of hundreds of drivers for Rumpke on high alert this week after one of their own was hurt on the job. “It’s the fourth or fifth most dangerous job in America,” Burrell said. “It’s right up there with being a police officer or firefighter.”
On Tuesday, a garbage driver was hit by a car while on his route in Hamilton. That driver was treated and released from the hospital, but the car fled the scene. “These are someone’s mom, dad, brother, sister,” said Rumpke communications manager Molly Yeager. “They’re out there working and they’re just trying to perform as essential service.”