Georgia: Bill proposes move over law for sanitation workers

A proposed bill in the Georgia House would make it mandatory for drivers to move over for garbage trucks, just as they do for law enforcement. Lawmakers say the bill was introduced because of a major safety concern. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics information, sanitation workers have one of the most deadly jobs in the country. Data for 2013 shows they ranked fifth. Only loggers, fishermen, pilots and roofers work in more deadly fields. Stacy Bradwell knows the risks well. He’s been a DeKalb County sanitation worker for 13 years He says his job is as much picking up trash as dealing with impatient drivers.  “A lot of time people will get in front of you and then put on brakes,” Bradwell said. Brawell says he’s had one close call he remembers vividly. He says someone who was speeding got within inches of him.

“I can’t explain how scary it was,’" said Bradwell. Experiences like Bradwell's are why Gwinnett County State Rep. Brett Harrell authored House Bill 206.  “It’s really a public safety issue,” Harrell said. If passed, drivers would have to move over for trash trucks just like they move over for law enforcement.  “That motorist has a duty to slow down, be prepared to stop and, if safe to do so, to move over at a rate of 10 miles per hour or slower when passing,” Harrell said.

Bradwell wonders what took so long for a bill like this to be put forward.Sometimes they need to understand that we are doing what you all want us to do,’ Bradwell said.If Harrell's bill becomes law, anyone who doesn't follow it could get slapped with a $500 fine. He says some Georgia trash collectors have already paid too great a price for doing their jobs.We had one as recent as 2009 in Conyers lost his life. In 2011, we had another where another lost part of his limb,” Harrell said.

This bill applies to private and public sanitation workers. It's in the Senate and if approved, it could be on the governor’s desk in a matter of days