Drivers veer off the road and run into a power pole. Farmers sometimes make contact with a power line while driving tractors or other machinery. Dump or feed truck drivers raise or lower their bed and snag a power line.
We all think it will never happen to us, but it can. And knowing what to do in that situation can save your life.
Incidents with power lines or other utility equipment break the electrical current’s usual path. This can charge the ground, vehicles, and other equipment with electricity. If you step out of the car, you will become the electricity’s path to the ground and could be electrocuted.
While downed lines can sometimes reveal they are live by arcing and sparking with electricity, this is not always the case. Power lines do not always show signs that they are live, but they are still just as lethal.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HIT A POWER POLE OR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT:
If you hit a power pole, pad-mounted transformer (green box), or other electrical equipment, DO NOT get out of the vehicle or cab. Instead, call 9-1-1 and wait for utility crews to come and de-energize power.
Onlookers should never attempt to get close to the downed power line or attempt to drive over one. Warn others to stay at least 35-feet, or about three car lengths, from the power line.
There is one exception to leaving a vehicle in contact with a power line: fire or smoke. If you need to leave the vehicle, make sure you do not touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time.
Jump from your vehicle, and land with both feet together. Then avoid lifting your feet as you slowly shuffle away from the vehicle and power line. If you separate your feet too far, you’ll become an open circuit and you could be electrocuted.
Make sure you shuffle at least 35-feet away from the vehicle and power line. If the conditions are wet, you may need to move away even further.