Release: March 23, 2009
Contact: Susan Ruehling (217) 546-6815
Making the Right Move after an Auto Accident Involving Power Lines
Recent television program highlights need for more awareness
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) – On a recent episode of a prominent television drama, one of the lead actresses is seen driving frantically then crashing into an electricity pole. She survives the crash, but when she steps out of her car, she is electrocuted by a downed wire.
When a vehicle accident brings down a power line, natural instincts to get out of the vehicle or to help those involved can lead to tragic results. As part of the “Teach Learn Care” TLC campaign, Safe Electricity urges everyone to be aware of the hazards involved and safe actions to take.
“In accidents involving power lines, the best action is to call for help,” says Molly Hall, executive director of Safe Electricity. “Wait for the utility to arrive and de-energize the line, or you could become another accident victim in need of rescue.”
If your car hits a power pole, or is otherwise involved in a scene with a downed power line, Safe Electricity urges to stay inside the auto and wait for help. The same applies for farm or construction equipment. If you come upon or witness an accident involving toppled power poles and lines, don’t leave your vehicle to approach the accident scene. The vehicle as well as the ground around the accident could be energized.
A live power line demonstration with extensive information on the proper steps to take in those accidents and many other instances can be seen on www.SafeElectricity.org.
The only time one should consider getting out of a vehicle is if the vehicle is on fire or other danger is imminent, which happens only rarely. In that case, one should jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at the same time. Then hop or shuffle with feet together -- don't run or stride, which allows movement from one voltage zone to another, creating deadly current flow. Electricity spreads out through the ground in ripples, like a stone dropped in water. The voltage is highest in the ring closest to the vehicle and decreases with distance.
“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,” says Hall. “Even if a power line has landed on the ground, there is still the potential for the area near the car to be energized. Stay inside the vehicle unless there’s fire or imminent risk of fire. Wait until the electric utility crew arrives to make sure power to the line is cut off.”
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.
Power line safety is the focus of this year’s “Teach Learn Care” TLC public service campaign. In addition to the streamed live power line demonstration, a video featuring the experience of electrical accident survivor Shawn Miller covers other situations related to power line hazards and safe actions and can also be seen on www.SafeElectricity.org.
A program of the non-profit Energy Education Council, Safe Electricity is dedicated to accident prevention through greater public awareness, and is supported by a coalition of hundreds of organizations, including electric utilities, educators, and other entities committed to promoting electrical safety.
