COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The law designed to protect Georgia law enforcement working on the roadside now extends to utility crews.
"We've been added in within the same law and I don't think (drivers) understand that," said Cobb EMC crew foreman Will Howerter.
Channel 2 Action News joined his crew working on a two-lane stretch of West Sandtown Road in Marietta.
Since July 1, drivers coming upon a utility vehicle marked with cones and flashing light must slow below the speed limit. A violation is subject to a $250 fine.
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"I got a lot on my plate as it is. I don't need the added responsibility of motor vehicles just being crazy," Howerter said.
On his way to the EMC crew, Channel 2 consumer investigator Jim Strickland spotted an AT&T truck working on Windy Hill Road. There the law is more explicit because it is a four-lane road. Drivers must move one lane over or slow down if they're blocked by traffic. %
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Strickland said he saw plenty of cars doing at least the speed limit in the lane right next to the truck. All but one failed to move over, even when there was room.
The one that did spoke with Strickland.
"They're working there so, I had to slow down and move over. It's just a natural instinct," said driver Issac Ponce.