Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation known as Michael Massey’s Law into law. The governor took the action on May 1.
The law is named for a 39-year-old Freehold Township resident who was killed in 2013 when he was hit by a car while loading a sanitation vehicle as part of his public works duties in Ocean Township, according to a press release.
The law was sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth), Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) and Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth).
“Michael Massey’s tragic death was preventable. He was a loving husband and a father of two young children who lost his life because of a driver who chose to speed past a sanitation vehicle,” Beck said.
“Because of the Move Over Law, we know to slow down and change lanes when we see a police car or an ambulance. Michael Massey’s Law cannot alter the great loss his family has experienced, but I am hopeful it will be just as successful at saving lives,” she said.
Michael Massey’s Law (S-518/A-4452) expands the Move Over Law to include sanitation vehicles. The law requires motorists approaching a sanitation vehicle, if possible, to reduce speed to less than the posted speed limit, be prepared to stop, and to make a lawful lane change to at least one lane away from the sanitation vehicle. Violators will face a maximum $500 fine, according to the press release.
Representatives of the National Waste and Recycling Association recently announced they are working with state legislators across the United States to implement legislation similar to Michael Massey’s Law, according to Beck.
