Drive safe around equipment and emergency work

​​Vehicle accidents invo​​​lving power lines and electrical equipment

V​ehicle and bicycle safety around electrical equipment and EPCOR work sites

Pedestrians and other vehicles are just some of the hazards to be aware of while driving. You’re also likely to come across an EPCOR work site. Safe driving practices will help keep you and our crews safe.

Driving safety around worksites

When our crews are completing repairs to equipment and restoring services, it might disrupt traffic. Remember, we have equipment above and below ground, so just because you don't see anyone, doesn't mean there isn't anyone present. If you see one of our crews on the road, slow down and obey the road safety signs.

The area around a work site can be extremely dangerous. Please stay back and drive cautiously around the marked area. Obey the signs or any traffic control staff onsite. Watch your spacing between your vehicle, the power or water equipment, workers, and other vehicles.

Driving cautiously and slowly will keep you and our crews safe.

​Bike lanes and work ​sites

There are times we may need to access bike lanes to complete work, but we try to avoid it when we can.

Safety is our first priority and we follow the On-Street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) guidelines set by the City of Edmonton.

When EPCOR crews arrive on site, they complete a safety assessment to take into consideration the width of the roadway, the location of their work (e.g. manhole, sidewalk vault, etc.), whether parking is available on the street and if parking on the street would disrupt visibility for drivers and cyclists or limit safe access for traffic.

They also take into account how long the work will take and what the safest approach is for motorists and cyclists, following OSCAM guidelines. If EPCOR crews are working within a bike lane, follow traffic signage or dismount and walk your bike around the work area.

Weather related driving safety tips

Extreme weather conditions can create risks around electrical equipment and emergency work. Reduced visibility, fallen tree branches, and unpredictable weather mean we should be extra careful.

• Change your driving habits for the conditions

  Change your speed, spacing, and braking for the conditions to help prevent accidents. Gentle driving habits are especially important on rain-covered roads.
  

• Pay close attention to the road

  Being distracted for just a second can cause an accident. Scan the road ahead. Watch for other vehicles, pedestrians, wildlife, power equipment, worksites. Always obey road safety signs.

• Make sure you can see and are visible to others

  Test your wipers and replace any wiper blades that are damaged. Always make sure other drivers can see you. Turn your headlights on, even during the day, and keep them clean.

• Avoid cruise control

  Don't use cruise control in extreme winter driving conditions. If you suddenly hit a patch of water, you could lose control of your vehicle. Save cruise control for when the skies are clear.

Driving safety around worksites

When our crews are completing repairs to equipment and restoring services, it might disrupt traffic. Remember, we have equipment above and below ground, so just because you don't see anyone, doesn't mean there isn't anyone present. If you see one of our crews on the road, slow down and obey the road safety signs.

The area around a work site can be extremely dangerous. Please stay back and drive cautiously around the marked area. Obey the signs or any traffic control staff onsite. Watch your spacing between your vehicle, the power or water equipment, workers, and other vehicles.

Driving cautiously and slowly will keep you and our crews safe.