What to do when CAR vs. POLE

Accidents happen. Would you know what to do if your car crashed into an electric pole? Knowing what to do and when could make a life-saving difference.

First, always consider power lines and other electrical equipment to be energized and dangerous. The force of the collision might have brought down the pole or power lines. If lines fall on your vehicle or nearby, the area around the accident could be electrically charged. If you step out of the vehicle, under those circumstances, your body can become the “path to ground” for the electricity, and you could be shocked and seriously injured.

“Our first instinct is to get out of the vehicle,” says Brad Vincent, Safety Coordinator for Duck River Electric. “But that’s the wrong thing to do. The safest option after a collision with a power pole is to stay inside the vehicle until help arrives. The vehicle’s rubber tires insulate you from the electric current.”

“An even greater safety concern is when the car is on fire,” he adds. “Then a different plan of action is needed to exit the vehicle safely.” (Follow the steps provided.)

Vincent advises to call 911 for help and tell the dispatcher that you’ve been in an accident involving electrical equipment. Warn others who stop to check on you to stay well away and wait for word from DREMC that the area is safe before exiting the vehicle.”

IF THE POWER LINE FALLS ON YOUR VEHICLE, AND THERE IS A FIRE, FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO EXIT SAFELY:

  • Jump out of the vehicle with your feet together, making sure NO part of your body or clothing touches the ground and vehicle at the same time.
  • Land with both feet together and in small, shuffling steps, move away from the scene while keeping your feet close together; this way, there won’t be a voltage difference between your two feet, which would give electricity the chance to flow through your body.
  • Keep shuffling until you are at least 40 feet away from the vehicle and any downed power lines.