Move over for utility and construction workers

As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, Xcel Energy reminds drivers to slow down and move over for vehicles and workers on the side of the road — including utility and construction vehicles.

Many drivers slow down or move over when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. Unfortunately, the same is not always done for the utility and construction workers repairing our roads and restoring our electric and natural gas service, even though these crews are also putting their lives on the line for the public good.

On April 17, utility and construction workers around the country wore orange as part of Go Orange Day, providing a visible reminder of their support for the families who have been impacted in work zone incidents.

“Each year we see vehicles that do not follow our roadway warning signs and encroach on our work zones putting our employees and contractors at risk.” said Mark Prewitt, senior director, Safety. “Spreading awareness of this critical safety step helps ensure our crews in the field can go home safely at the end of the day.”

Most states have passed move-over laws protecting workers by requiring motorists to slow down and merge away from a vehicle working on the side of the road. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware that the law in their state protects utility workers (including most states where Xcel Energy operates), and they could receive a ticket for not moving over or reducing their speed significantly when passing them. The safety of the essential workers who ensure we all have reliable electric and natural gas service is in the public’s hands.

National Work Zone Awareness Week promotes the following safe-driving practices when drivers see emergency, construction or maintenance vehicles working on the side of the road:

• Slow down as you approach the work zone.

• When possible, safely move over to provide workers with a clear buffer lane from traffic.

• If you can’t move over safely, reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit as you pass the work zone.

• Never use your mobile device while operating a vehicle.

For more information about Work Zone Awareness Week visit nwzaw.org.