Viewpoints

By Farris Leonard

Every year, workers along roadsides are injured or killed by vehicles crashing into crew sites, even when the sites are marked with bright cones and warning signs.

Protecting line crews is a top priority for North zones will have advanced warning signs 200 to Carolina’s electric cooperatives, and it’s a safety 500 feet before roadside work depending on measure everyone can help with. In 2002, North the posted speed limit. Carolina’s Move Over law took effect, requiring motorists, if they can safely do so, to move one lane away from any law enforcement, other emergency vehicles and utility vehicles that are ■ Drivers must obey all traffic directions posted as part of a worksite, including by a designated flagger. on the side of the highway. ■ On a roadway that has at least two lanes Move Over is not only traveling in the same direction, when a good law, it’s also the approaching a utility vehicle positioned off Our crews already perform hazardous work courteous thing to do. Our crews already perform hazardous work to keep the highway displaying amber warning lights, a vehicle must move over to the lane away from utility vehicle if it is safe to do so. to keep the lights on the lights on every day. ■ On a two-lane, two-way roadway, when every day. They deserve They deserve a work environment that’s as safe approaching a utility vehicle positioned off the highway displaying amber warning lights, a work environment as possible. a vehicle must slow down and be prepared to that’s as safe as possible. And electric utility crews are special cases stop. If there is no approaching vehicle from the opposite direction and it is safe to do so, to watch out for: the move over until past the utility vehicle. relatively temporary nature of powerline repairs can surprise motorists. A roadside construction operation might close a lane for days or weeks, giving time for people familiar with the area to anticipate the changed traffic pattern. Utility work, however, can start ■ In North Carolina, the penalty for violating Move Over law requirements can be up to a $500 fine, along with the possibility of being charged with a felony if a collision occurs that results in serious injury or death. and finish in a few hours or less, possibly raising Most importantly, don’t drive distracted. Drive risks with drivers who might think they know according to the conditions of the road. Be courthe road ahead. teous to roadside work crews. Watch the signs Here are some things to be mindful of and obey them. And certainly, follow guidance while driving: established by our state’s Move Over law. It’s ■ Depending on duration and location of good advice, and it could save a life. equipment and worker position, a work zone may be set up to provide visual warnings and guidance for the driver. These temporary work

Farris Leonard is director of Job Training & Safety Field Services for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.