Municipalities are praising a new law going into effect that requires motorists to take extra caution when passing waste and recycling workers. House File 314, known as the “Slow Down to Get Around” law, requires motorists to slow down and move out of the way of waste and recycling workers when passing. The bill was signed by former Gov. Terry Branstad in April and goes into effect July 1.
While larger communities in the Corridor, like Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Coralville, use automated trucks that don’t require workers to get in and out of waste and recycling trucks as often, city officials are still happy to see the law on the books.
“Anything that helps our employees get home safely at the end of the day is a good thing in our opinion,” said Sara Baughman, utilities communication coordinator for the city of Cedar Rapids. “It’s another opportunity to encourage motorists to be aware and to give them space if they have the ability to do so.”
Karmin McShane, executive director of the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency and vice president of the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations, said Iowa is the 14th state to enact this legislation.
McShane noted that refuse and recycling collection are among the most dangerous jobs in the United States.
“We’re always, always talking about safety,” she said. “The trucks that are out on the street are at an even higher risk.”
McShane said the new law sends the “simple message that you need to slow down.”
While larger communities have automated waste and recycling collection, smaller communities — like Central City, Lisbon and Mount Vernon — have workers hopping on and off trucks at each stop.
Coralville City Administrator Kelly Hayworth said that while Coralville uses automated trucks, he, too, is supportive of the law.
“We’re obviously concerned for our employees’ safety,” Hayworth said. “We want to make sure people do safely follow those vehicles.”
North Liberty City Administrator Ryan Heiar said laws like this shouldn’t be necessary, but he’s glad they are on the books. “There are people, unfortunately, out there that frankly aren’t very good drivers and need to pay attention,” Heiar said. “If we can provide a little extra attention for our people, I’m all for it.”
To read the full story, visit http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/slow-down-to-move-around-law-protects-workers-20170529.