Massachusetts: • Utility workers want 'move over' law coverage
National Grid officials want utility trucks afforded the same protection from drivers on state highways as police cars and highway maintenance vehicles, which are buffered by the "move over law."
Passage of the 2009 law followed a rash of deadly collisions with police vehicles pulled over on highways. A bill (H 3054) filed by state Rep. Harold Naughton, D-Clinton, would include utility vehicles under the law, demanding that drivers slow down and move a lane over "if practicable" when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle on a highway.
John Cameron, National Grid's safety program manager for U.S. operations, argued in favor of the change at a Transportation Committee hearing Tuesday.
"One thing we can't control is the motorists," Cameron said. He said, "We've seen this Move Over Law as a next step to prevent serious injuries or fatalities."
Under prodding from House Transportation Chairman William Straus, Cameron agreed that distracted driving, including potentially cell phone use, is a factor as "momentary loss of situational awareness" can lead to an accident when driving right past utility work.
Seeking cost savings, the Patrick administration changed highway regulations to allow for civilian flaggers, rather than police details, on certain state roads for public works projects.
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