Every day, our electric cooperative crews head out to do work that keeps life moving—restoring power, maintaining lines, and responding to emergencies. During Distracted Driving and Roadside Safety Awareness Month, we’re reminded that one of the greatest risks our employees face isn’t always the weather or the equipment—it’s traffic.
Our linemen often work just feet from passing vehicles, relying on flashing lights, cones, and drivers’ attention to keep them safe. But in Georgia, distracted driving remains a serious issue. A quick glance at a phone or a device in hand can turn a routine workday into a tragedy.
Georgia’s Hands‑Free Law makes it illegal to hold or support a phone while driving. Violators face fines starting at $50 and points on their license, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses within two years. Those points don’t just impact insurance rates—they represent real‑world danger on the road, especially in roadside work zones where utility crews are present.
Beyond fines and points, distracted driving can carry lasting consequences. A moment of inattention can lead to serious injury or worse—not only for drivers, but for the utility workers, emergency responders, and families who share the road. Every one of our crew members is someone’s parent, spouse, neighbor, or friend.
Roadside safety is a shared responsibility. Slowing down, moving over, and staying hands‑free aren’t just legal requirements in Georgia—they’re choices that save lives. This month, and every month, we ask drivers to stay alert and respect work zones.
Because keeping the lights on safely depends on all of us doing our part—especially behind the wheel.
