If I could have a moment of your time...
I work for a utility company. I’m a technician. Some of you may be one or know one, be it friend or family. Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about a certain something we (technicians, linesman, et al) have to deal with, and I was thinking about bringing it to the attention of the general public (as best I can).
Some of you may have heard about the “move over/slow down” law that has been passed in some states. While I agree it isn’t enforced enough, as our law enforcement is trying to protect us, while risking their lives, most people (in my opinion) do this anyways. I can’t tell you how many times I have been working with a detail officer and people see the blue lights and they just become mesmerized and stop or slow down without even realizing its happening. This brings me to the next subject.
About 99% of the time, I do not require a detail to do my pole work. However, this also means I do not have flashing blue lights; only yellow lights, orange cones, my hi-vis vest and a hard hat. Just remember that the people you rev your engine by in their little work zone, have no intention of being killed today. The goal is NOT to see if you can beat the person coming the other direction to get by me, but to make sure I can get home to my wife at night. The reason why we have all of this safety equipment, is so that we can get home at night. There is a reason why I’m telling you this, I have had a recent close call. Its not fun to be a part of.
Please, if you could, think of me, or your friend or family member when you see a vehicle with cones and flashing yellow lights. They are doing their job, and would love to get home safely.
And always: Pull over/slow down for emergency vehicles.
Thank you.
