Distracted Driving
Zone In On Safety
Most people know that working with high voltage power lines and electric equipment is dangerous work, but when they get in their own vehicle, they can forget. Add to that texting, applying makeup, reading the newspaper, or a number of other sorted distractions, and that can spell disaster – for the driver and anyone else near the vehicle.
Distracted driving is a growing concern for electric utility crews who are experiencing incidents and close calls more frequently. At least four utility workers have been killed and many more injured in incidents since 2015.
Utility crews are not the only workers putting their lives on the line. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- 1 work zone crash occurs every 5.4 minutes
- 70 work zone crashes result in injuries each day
- 12 work zone crashes result in fatalities each week
Before leaving home, be sure to research your route, and when possible, avoid any work zones and use detours. Most states have laws that require motorists to “move over” if anyone – including those in a roadside work zone – is on the side of the road. Change lanes if possible, slow down; if you cannot change lanes and your lane is blocked, stop! Then proceed with caution.
Safe Electricity reminds you that distracted driving injures and kills utility crews and other workers who put themselves in danger every day by sharing their workspace with vehicles on the road. For your safety and the safety of others, focus on your driving and avoid distractions.
There isn’t a text or a phone call that is worth it. Remember to Zone in on Safety and save lives.
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