Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Michael Mundell, Solid Waste Manager
Contact Info
(830) 221-4040 - mmundell@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a resolution endorsing certain legislative changes to Texas law proposed by the Texas Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The Slow Down To Get Around (SDTGA) program is a national campaign that reminds motorists to drive more carefully when near waste and recycling collection vehicles to protect waste and recycling workers. The program was created following two accidents resulting in the death of one employee of a waste collection company in the Midwest and severe injuries to a second. Both accidents were due to careless driving by motorists.
Being struck by a motorist is the leading cause of death for waste and recycling collection employees, and with proper awareness, is completely preventable. Thirty-one collection-related fatalities occurred in the US in 2016 (a ten-year high), as well as numerous severe injuries. Due to the passing of this type of legislation the number of fatalities decreased to twenty-three in 2017. This bill will save Texas lives and help to continue the downward trend nationwide.
Since the start of the campaign, at least twenty states have enacted some type of SDTGA law to help protect solid waste workers out on the job.
Passage of this legislation can be accomplished by modifying an existing Texas law requiring motorists to slow down if approaching flashing lights on certain stationary vehicles, i.e. emergency or construction vehicles, to include waste and recycling vehicles.
Specifically, the proposed bill would amend Chapter 545.157 of the Texas Transportation Code to require motorists to slow down, safely change lanes if possible an operate with due caution around waste and recycling trucks when safety lights are flashing, similar to cautions motorists must now exercise when passing a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or certain TXDOT vehicles.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
|
X |
Yes |
City Plan/Council Priority: |
Strategic Priorities: Safety |
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends supporting the resolution endorsing certain legislative changes to Texas law proposed by the Texas Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America.