Dive Brief:

• West Virginia signed a new bill into law that is intended to help prevent accidents involving waste and recycling drivers. 
• The law requires drivers to reduce speeds down to 15 miles per hour while passing a stopped garbage truck.
• On signing the "Slow Down to Get Around" legislation, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed  said, "Sanitation workers have a difficult job and perform an essential public service. I'm proud West Virginia has joined the nationwide effort to keep these dedicated public workers safe."

Dive Insight:

The bill was backed by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NW&RA), the waste and recycling industry trade organization. The organization's effort to improve the safety of sanitation workers is a national one. The NW&RA was instrumental in moving a similar bill to pass in Florida this year: The "Move Over Act" was amended to include sanitation and utility vehicles. Cars are required to slow down to 20 miles per hour.