An official with Sawnee EMC said utility workers took a sense of pride with Governor Nathan Deal's signature of the so-called move over for linemen legislation.
House Bill 767 requires motorists to slow down or change lanes when approaching working utility crews.
Blake House, Vice President of Marketing and Member Services for Sawnee EMC said it's a big safety issue.
"More often than not, working in dangerous conditions; dark, during ice storms, snow storms and heavy traffic areas, they need that protection," House said.
Any motorist who does not change lanes or drop their speed to avoid the utility workers can be fined up to $250 per incident.
"You wouldn't believe the amount of times that we have folks that just don't see our workers and don't give us the same respect that they would the state patrol or the sheriff or the police."
Gov. Deal signed the bill on April 19 during a statewide event to recognize Lineman Appreciation Month.
"They (utility workers) took a sense of pride and really felt like that the Governor and the legislators were giving them some respect," House said.
During the legislative session, Georgia EMC, led a coalition of utilities and businesses consisting of the 41 EMCs, Georgia Power and the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia in support of the measure, according to Sawnee EMC.
Several lawmakers sponsored the bill, including Senator Steve Gooch of Dahlonega and Representative Alan Powell of Hartwell.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/5/393952/utility-workers-take-pride-in-move-over-law