In Loving Memory of Christopher Yardley

Husband. Father. Son. Dedicated Waste Worker.

On October 30, 2023, Christopher Yardley was tragically killed while performing his duties as a waste worker—doing the job he took pride in, serving his community with dedication and strength.

He left behind a loving wife, four beautiful children, and a heartbroken mother. Their lives were shattered in an instant, and their grief is a daily reminder of the dangers our waste workers face and the protections that were never there when they were needed most.

We are calling on Missouri lawmakers to pass the Yardley Waste Worker Safety Act, a proposed bill that would require all drivers to come to a complete stop when a waste collection vehicle is actively servicing an area and amber warning lights are flashing—offering the same protections currently granted to MoDOT and municipal road workers.

What the Yardley Act Would Do:

Mandatory Full Stop:

Require all traffic to stop completely when waste collection vehicles are operating with amber safety lights on and workers are on foot.
Remain Stopped Until Safe:
Drivers must wait until the worker has cleared the roadway, the amber lights are turned off, or the vehicle signals it’s safe to pass.
Equal Legal Consequences:
Impose the same penalties for violations—including injury or death—that currently apply when harming MoDOT or city employees. This includes enhanced fines, license suspension, and potential criminal charges.

Why This Matters:

Waste workers risk their lives every day on Missouri roads. Unlike school buses or emergency vehicles, current state law does not require traffic to stop when waste trucks are actively in service—even when amber warning lights are flashing and workers are exposed to oncoming traffic.

Christopher’s death was not just a personal tragedy—it was a preventable one. This law is about honoring his memory through action, and ensuring that no other family has to endure this kind of loss.

We ask you to sign and share this petition in memory of Christopher Yardley and in support of every waste worker who risks their life to serve our communities.

Let’s make amber lights mean stop—before another life is lost.

YardleyAct #AmberMeansStop #ProtectWasteWorkers

 

*TO REACH OUT DIRECTLY PLEASE REACH OUT VIA FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjxkPDpNX/?mibextid=wwXIfr