Xcel reminds community about Work Zone Awareness Week
Media Release, Xcel Energy
AMARILLO, Texas — As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20-24), 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 Wednesday, April 22, utility and construction workers around the country will wear 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. “Our employees work in and around roadways every day to keep energy reliable for our communities,” said Mark Prewitt, area vice president, Safety at Xcel Energy. “Staying alert and slowing down go a long way toward reducing injuries and saving lives so everyone can go home safely to their families 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 all 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 utility 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.
• Follow signs and flaggers to guide you safely through 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.
Learn more about Work Zone Awareness Week.
