ATLANTA, April 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power, in
collaboration with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT),
is encouraging awareness of driving alert through work zones to
help keep workers safe as part of National Work Zone Awareness
Week, which runs from April 26 – 30.
National Work Zone Awareness Week, which began in 1999, is
designed to inform motorists about the dangers of driving through
work zones and of the perils faced by construction and maintenance
workers. In July 2016, utility
vehicles were included in Georgia's "Move Over Law,"
which requires drivers to move over one lane when crews are working
on the roadside. The addition of utility workers to the law helps
ensure safety for linemen who may be working on the roadside at
night or following severe weather to repair damaged equipment or
restore power for customers. If drivers are unable to move
over, they should slow down below the speed limit and be prepared
to stop.
This year's theme is "Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives," a call
to all motorists to help keep workers safe by slowing down,
avoiding distractions, following all posted signs, and watching out
for workers when traveling through a work zone. According to GDOT's
most recent statistics, there were 17,297 total crashes in
Georgia work zones in 2020,
resulting in 5,123 injuries and 24 fatalities.
Work Zone Safety Tips You Can Use:
- Obey the Rules of Work Zone: (1) Pay attention (2)
Slow down (3) Watch for workers
- Expect the Unexpected. Things may change quickly.
Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be closed,
narrowed, or shifted, and people may be working on or near the
road.
- Don't Speed. Obey the posted speed limit, even when
workers are not present.
- Don't Tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you
and the car ahead of you and the construction workers and their
equipment.
- Obey Road Crew Flaggers and Pay Attention to
Signs. Failure to obey speed limit signs or a flagger's
traffic control directions can result in hefty fines and/or
imprisonment.
- Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions. Give your
full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or
using cell phones and other electronic devices while approaching
and driving in a work zone.
- Georgia is a Hands-Free state. Since July
2018, it is illegal to hold your phone while driving in the
state of Georgia.
Georgia Power is an active member of the Georgia OSHA Struck-By
Alliance which provides member organizations with information,
guidance, and access to training resources to help protect the
health and safety of workers.
Additional Resources from the Georgia Department of
Transportation
GDOT's work zone awareness resources are
available at www.dot.ga.gov/DS/SafetyOperation/Workzone. GDOT urges
motorists to call 511 for updated information on roadway
conditions. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that
provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide,
including closures and hazardous conditions on interstates and
state routes. Callers can transfer to operators to request
complimentary vehicle assistance on interstate highways
across Georgia from the Highway Emergency Response
Operators (HERO) and the Coordinated Highway Assistance &
Maintenance (CHAMP) programs – 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. Call 511 for vehicle assistance or to report an
issue. Visit www.511ga.org. For information about
GDOT, visit www.dot.ga.gov. Follow GDOT on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/GeorgiaDOT) and Twitter
(http://twitter.com/gadeptoftrans).
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest
electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's
premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and
Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6
million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to
delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates
below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse,
innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural
gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.
Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its
customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as
an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information,
visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on
Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter
(Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram
(Instagram.com/ga_power).
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SOURCE Georgia Power