Know what to do in auto accidents involving power lines
Instincts tell us to flee danger. Unfortunately, in vehicle accidents that involve downed power lines, these natural inclinations can lead to tragic results.
If your car hits a power pole, or otherwise brings a power line down, Safe Electricity urges you to stay inside the vehicle until help arrives. Getting out of the vehicle, with few exceptions, is the wrong thing to do until the line has been de-energized.
“You are almost always better off to stay in the car, especially if the line is in contact with the vehicle,” says Molly Hall, Executive Director of the Safe Electricity program. “If the power line is still energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path for that electricity and electrocution is the tragic result.”
“It’s best to wait until the electric utility crew arrives to make sure power to the line is cut off,” says Hall.
The only exception would be if fire or other danger, like the smell of gasoline, is present. In that case, the proper action is to jump – not step – with both feet hitting the ground at the same time. Jump clear, without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time. Shuffle or hop to safety keeping both feet together as you leave the area. Like the ripples in a pond or lake, the voltage diminishes the farther out it is from the source. Stepping from one voltage level to another allows the body to become a path for that electricity.
“Even if a power line has landed on the ground, there is still the potential for the area near your car to be energized,” Hall says. “Stay inside the vehicle unless there’s fire or imminent risk of fire.”
The same rules apply to situations involving large farm and construction equipment that comes in contact with overhead lines.
“Those working with large equipment should stay inside the cab or remain on the vehicle if equipment extensions come in contact with power lines.
“Warn others who may be nearby to stay away and wait until the electric utility arrives to make sure power to the line is cut off,” Hall adds. While driving, if you encounter a down wire on the road, always assume it is an electrical wire and energized, and stay in your car. If you come upon, or witness an accident involving toppled power poles and lines, don’t leave your vehicle to approach the accident scene.
“Often our inclination is to step in and help those in danger and offer assistance to the injured. But, in accidents involving power poles,” says Hall, “Call for help. Wait for trained assistance to arrive, or you could become an additional victim in need of rescue.”