Garbage trucks may be included in new 'move over' law

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WALA) - Alabama motorists will have to move over for garbage trucks - as they currently do for emergency vehicles - under legislation being considered in the Legislature.

A bill by Republican Rep. Mac McCutcheon of Capshaw called "Move Over Alabama" is expected to be considered in the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Wednesday. Similar legislation by Republican Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Montgomery has cleared a Senate committee.

The Legislature passed a bill in 2006 that requires drivers to move over for police and fire vehicles with emergency lights on. The law was later amended to include wreckers and utility service vehicles.

McCutcheon said he thinks Alabama highways have been safer since the original bill passed. He said he has noticed more vehicles moving into the left lane.