- During storm season, additional Duke Energy crews may be on the
roads to repair damaged power lines or infrastructure
- Speeding and distracted driving are the leading contributing
factors in vehicle accidents
- National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 15-19
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 15,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the start of the 2024 storm
season approaches, Duke Energy reminds the public that crews and
other utility personnel often work along roadways maintaining and
repairing power lines and other utility infrastructure.
Duke Energy crews are often found working just about anywhere to
keep the lights on for customers and communities safe. That work
often requires Duke Energy teams to work alongside a roadway, or in
some cases, it may be necessary to close a lane(s) of traffic. When
work requires creating a work zone, it is important that the public
take steps to protect themselves and those working.
"We expect to see an increase in the need for our crews to be
out responding to storm repairs and with that comes risk. Every
single driver can reduce that risk by paying close attention and
reducing distractions while on the road," said Jessica Bednarcik, senior vice president of
Enterprise Safety and Generation Services. "At Duke Energy, we have
a comprehensive safety program to protect our crews working along
the road, but cones and signs won't stop a distracted driver. We're
reminding motorists to approach roadside workers with caution. It
could save a life."
Beyond keeping the lights on, Duke Energy crews also play a key
role in power grid improvement projects that are helping modernize
and strengthen Duke Energy's system. This includes protection
against storms and other impacts, making the grid more reliable and
resilient, as well as integrating new and cleaner energy
technologies. All of the work is to benefit customers and
communities.
Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones
- Stay alert and minimize distractions: Don't text, talk or
adjust controls.
- Expect the unexpected: Normal speed limits may be reduced,
traffic lanes may be changed, and workers may be nearby.
- Slow down: Speeding is the major cause of work zone
crashes.
- Don't tailgate: The most common work zone crash is the rear-end
collision.
- Maintain traffic flow by merging as soon as possible.
- Pay attention to signs: Warning signs help keep you and other
drivers safe.
- Obey road crew flaggers: The trained flagger knows what is best
for traffic safety.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150
company headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies.
The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in
North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky, and collectively own
54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves
1.7 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition,
keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the
forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions
from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions
from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in
major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including
expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and advanced
nuclear.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke
Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn,
Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about
the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Ben Williamson
Office: 770.362.4854
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy