Protecting Roadside Crews is a Shared Responsibility on Michigan Roads

Roadside Utility Work Requires Focus — and Driver Awareness

Every day, utility workers and field crews perform highly technical, physically demanding, and potentially dangerous work to keep the lights on and critical infrastructure operating safely. Whether replacing poles, upgrading equipment, completing routine maintenance, or responding to storm damage, these crews rely on intense focus, coordination, and strict safety procedures to complete their work safely.

 

Roadside Work Adds Another Layer of Risk

Unlike controlled job sites, roadside utility workplaces crews just feet away from moving traffic, often on winding roads, hills, blind curves, or in changing weather conditions. In these environments, crews must not only focus on the hazards of electrical and construction work, but they must also remain alert to nearby motorists.

Much of the work performed along roads involves large equipment, overhead lifting, active excavation, or materials momentarily extending near traffic lanes. For example, while setting a utility pole, equipment or materials may temporarily swing into a roadway. Even a momentary distraction from a driver can create a dangerous situation for both crews and motorists.

 

Safety Starts Long Before Work Begins

To help protect workers and the public, utility crews follow detailed safety procedures and traffic control plans designed to clearly guide drivers through work zones safely and efficiently.

“Our crews take extensive precautions to create safe work zones, but roadway safety is a shared responsibility. Do not handle a phone while driving. If phone use is necessary, rely on hands-free technology to remain aware of road conditions. When drivers remain focused, slow down, and move over, they become an important part of protecting the people working to serve their communities.”

– Jamie Sundberg, Manager of Safety Operations

 

Roadside work sites are carefully planned and set up using multiple layers of protection and advanced warning measures, including:

• Traffic cones arranged in tapers to gradually guide vehicles away from the work area
• Utility vehicles strategically positioned to create a protective buffer for crews
• Flashing or oscillating warning lights to increase visibility
• Highly visible clothing and personal protective equipment
• Temporary signage to direct traffic when necessary
• Coordination with local law enforcement and permitting agencies when required

These safety measures are designed to give motorists clear direction and enough time to slow down and react safely. However, work zone safety ultimately depends on drivers remaining alert and following the law.

 

Understanding Michigan’s Move Over Law Michigan’s “Move Over” law requires drivers approaching an authorized stationary vehicle with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights to move over into an open lane when possible and slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. If changing lanes is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, drivers must still reduce speed and proceed with caution while giving crews as much space as possible.

 

“Motorists are often the one variable roadside crews cannot anticipate. Respecting work zones, following traffic guidance, and complying with Move Over Law helps reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.”

– Dan Freeborn, Manager of Communications & External Affairs

 

Staying Alert Saves Lives

Often, motorists assume they know the road ahead and may not anticipate a slowdown, lane shift, or roadside work activity around the next curve or hill. Slowing down, staying alert, and respecting work zones can make a life-saving difference.

For utility crews, safety is more than a procedure; it is a shared responsibility. Crews depend on one another to stay focused and work safely every day. When motorists slow down and move over, they become an important part of that safety effort too.