Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this chapter except those relating to reckless driving and driving while intoxicated, shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a street, or to persons, motor vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in construction, maintenance or repair of public utilities. All highway and public utility operations shall be protected by adequate warning signs, signals, devices or flagmen. This chapter shall apply to persons and vehicles when traveling to or from work.
(`90 Code, § 20-9)