Work Zone Awareness

“One of the greatest risks crews face in roadside work zones is traffic that does not slow down or move over,” says Nick Woetzel, Vice President of Operations at People’s Energy Cooperative.  As a former lineworker, Woetzel has experienced first-hand the dangers that utility crews experience when working alongside traffic.

“Many hazards stem from driver impatience and inattention, motorists failing to reduce speed, give space, or recognize that crews may be exiting trucks, setting up equipment, or positioning vehicles to work safely,” Woetzel continues.  “Even a routine task such as pulling off the road or setting outriggers can become dangerous when drivers do not adjust their speed or allow adequate clearance.  These environments change quickly, and when traffic fails to respect the work zone, it places crews in immediate danger.”

To help protect people working along our state’s roads, Minnesota’s “Move Over Law” requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching any vehicle with its hazard lights activated or if people are outside of a vehicle on or next to the street or highway.  When traveling on a road with two or more lanes going in the same direction, drivers should move over one full lane to allow space for the stopped vehicle.  When it is unsafe to move over, drivers must slow down.

“Linework already requires intense focus and respect for high voltages and the many technical hazards associated with maintaining the electric system. Our crews devote significant attention to performing their work safely and correctly. When unpredictable traffic and distracted driving are added to the environment, it introduces another layer of risk that crews must manage while performing an already dangerous job,” Woetzel explains.

“Work zone awareness is personal to us because our employees are members of this community,” he continues. “They are parents, spouses, neighbors, and friends, and our goal is that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.”

We encourage motorists to slow down, stay alert, and move over whenever possible when approaching utility or roadside work zones. A few extra seconds of caution can prevent a life-altering incident. Our crews work in all conditions to keep the lights on and restore service, and we ask the public to help protect them by giving work zones the time and space they need.