Each spring, North Carolina shines a spotlight on the importance of staying alert behind the wheel in and around roadside work zones. Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed April 2026 as Work Zone Awareness Month and April 20–24 as Work Zone Awareness Week, reinforcing a simple but critical message: safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. With thousands of crashes occurring in work zones across the state in recent years, the need for awareness has never been greater, not just for transportation crews, but for utility workers who serve communities every day.

At Wake Electric, that message hits close to home. Line crews and field personnel regularly work along busy roads to maintain and restore power, often just steps away from passing traffic. “Every day, our crews are working just feet from active traffic,” said Earbie Goodman, Wake Electric’s job training and safety coordinator. “In a fast-growing area like ours, that means a lot of risk for our crews when drivers speed through or ignore work zones.” As the region continues to grow, so does the volume of traffic the co-op’s crews encounter, increasing the importance of safe driving habits in these areas.

Work zones are designed to protect both workers and drivers, but they only work when motorists pay attention. Slowing down, moving over when possible, and staying alert can make all the difference. Drivers should always watch for signage, obey reduced speed limits, and avoid distractions, especially when approaching utility trucks, first responders, or construction crews on the roadside. If moving over isn’t possible, reducing speed and proceeding with caution is essential.

“At the end of the day, it really comes down to drivers paying attention and slowing down,” Goodman added. “That’s what keeps everyone safe out there.” That shared responsibility is at the heart of Work Zone Awareness Week and reflects Wake Electric’s broader commitment to public safety.

By practicing safe driving habits in work zones, members play a direct role in protecting the people who keep the lights on. It’s a small adjustment that can have a life-saving impact—helping ensure that critical work continues safely while maintaining the reliability our members depend on every day.