Ameren is reminding its customers to take extra safety precautions when encountering company vehicles and crew members on area roadways. As a critical service provider that is responsible for emergency power restoration and repairs, while working in extreme weather and challenging terrain, it's important that motorists stay safe and keep crews safe by moving over and slowing down.
Missouri’s Move Over Law and Illinois’ Scott’s Law require drivers to slow down or change lanes when encountering utility crews – just like they’re expected to do for other types of emergency or roadside crews.
Inherent safety risks
"Anytime our workers are repairing damaged lines or downed utility poles, it comes with inherent safety risks," said Matt Tosh, Director, Ameren Missouri Operations, adding "Practicing safe driving when encountering Ameren crews can help reduce those risks so workers can remain focused on restoring our customers’ power as soon as possible."
Nationally, hundreds of thousands of first responders, roadside workers, utility crews, construction personnel, and other professionals face the risk of injury and death doing their jobs on the road. According to AAA, an average of 24 emergency responders are killed each year while working the roadside.
Legal and social responsibility
Move Over Laws exist in all 50 U.S. states to protect these people on highways across the nation
Move Over Laws exist in all 50 U.S. states to protect these individuals on highways and roadways across the country. When drivers fail to move over, the risk of accidents and injuries dramatically increases – both for responders and workers on the road as well as drivers and passengers themselves.
Emergency personnel, utility crews and roadside professionals need space to do their jobs safely and effectively and giving them that room is both a legal and a social responsibility.
Work zone safety
"We need everyone's help when it comes to work zone safety in these neighborhoods and on every route where workers are present," said Karen Boulanger, Director of Safety for Ameren Illinois.
Karen Boulanger adds, "The signs and cones create their protected work area. Please slow down as you drive on these local streets and pay attention. Our co-workers want to return home safely at the end of the day."
