CROSSVILLE —
The next time you see an electric utility vehicle working on the side of the road, slow down and give it room. The workers will appreciate your courtesy, and a new Tennessee law requires it.
Legislation signed by Gov. Bill Haslam on April 5 expands Tennessee’s Move Over law to include electric and other utility vehicles. Police, fire and highway construction vehicles were already covered before the law’s expansion. However, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and its member cooperatives recognized the need to include electric and other utility vehicles.
Effective July 1, motorists approaching a utility vehicle with flashing lights are required to move over if safe to do so, creating an empty lane buffer. When changing lanes is not possible, motorists must reduce speed.
“Electric utility workers have a dangerous job,” says Mike Knotts, director of government affairs for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, “and the expansion of the Move Over law makes their working environment safer.”
Roadway crashes are the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the United States. The Tennessee Department of Safety reports that more than 100 highway and street construction workers are killed each year as a result of vehicle crashes or equipment accidents on the job. Another 20,000 are injured.
Tommy Campbell, a lineman for Duck River Electric Membership Corporation in Decherd, knows all too well the dangers of working near traffic. Campbell was struck by a vehicle while retrieving a tool from a bin on the side of his truck. The impact threw him over the hood and windshield of the oncoming vehicle and into the air before landing in the street. His injuries required major surgery.
“I knew my foot was severely injured,” says Campbell about the accident. “I worried I would not be able to climb poles anymore. My father was a lineman, and that is what I love doing.” Fortunately, Tommy resumed climbing poles one year after the accident.
“This is a great law for utility workers,” Campbell says. “We have to get the word out and make the public aware. Drivers must slow down when approaching utility vehicles.”
“We appreciate the Tennessee General Assembly and Gov. Haslam for protecting Tennessee’s utility workers, and we are especially grateful to Sen. Steve Southerland and Rep. Phillip Johnson for sponsoring the legislation on our behalf,” says Knotts.
The Tennessee law is the first-of-its-kind in the country. North Carolina’s Move Over law includes utility workers but only during emergency situations such as storm restoration. Tennessee’s law applies anytime utility vehicles are working with flashing lights.
Additional information on the Move Over expansion can be found at moveovertennessee.org.
Area News
Move over law expanded in Tennessee
- Area News
-
-
Long-time coach, teacher granted diversion
A long-time Cumberland County elementary school teacher and coach indicted in March on a charge of assault in connection with the paddling of a child has been granted diversion in the case and will be eligible to have the charge removed from his record once he completes terms of the sentencing agreement.
-
Honoring fallen heroes
-
Laurel Hills POA action questioned by State Attorney General
The Laurel Hills Property Owners Association on Renegade Mountain recently notified Renegade Mountain residents and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation that, effective July 9, 2012, it would no longer provide water service to any party other than itself with its water system.
The action has caused a hearing, scheduled Monday, May 21, before the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA). -
Looking Back
A weekly historical news feature.
-
Homestead named Lighthouse School of Excellence
Although they call themselves the Bulldogs, students at Homestead Elementary School did not mind Principal Robin Perry describing them as butterflies last week.
-
Suspect faces multiple charges in burglaries
A Cumberland County man was arrested in connection with two burglaries during which thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and tools were stolen. Some of the property has been recovered, according to arrest warrant affidavits.
-
School attendance an issue for those over 18
While state law and school system policies are proving helpful in getting younger students to school, school officials are finding increasing absenteeism among students 18 years and older.
-
Report shows Justice Center needs much work to repair leaks
Commissioners on the building and grounds committee made a consensus agreement earlier this week to have the county attorney review an extensive repair estimate report for work needed at the Cumberland County Justice Center in order to repair numerous leaks and problems.
-
Fire engulfs residence
-
School bus driver cited for leaving the scene
A Cumberland County school bus driver was given a summons to court and, according to unconfirmed reports, is no longer employed as a driver, after the bus she was driving with 63 persons on board struck a concrete guard rail and then continued on its way.
- More Area News Headlines
-
Long-time coach, teacher granted diversion
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision
Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall
Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge
NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible'
Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate
4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium
Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower
Raw Video: Dramatic 270-Foot Waterfall Rescue
Fingers Do the Fighting at Wrestling Tourney
