A car accident is a scary situation and when you add in power lines, the situation becomes even more serious.

The most important thing to remember :
If you're in a vehicle that comes into contact with a power line, stay in your vehicle.

Call 911 and let them know your situation. It's important they know that there is electricity involved. They need to call the electric utility to have power shut off.

If other people come and try to help, don't let them near the vehicle because it puts them at risk of being shocked.

Why?

Electricity is always looking for the quickest path to ground. If your vehicle comes into contact with power lines, your car has become an extension of that line and becomes energized. What is keeping you safe are the rubber tires. If you are touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time, you will complete the path to ground and be shocked or electrocuted.

I need to exit the vehicle.

If you need to exit the vehicle, do so safely.

• First, remove all loose clothing like jackets or cardigans.
• With both feet together, jump as far away from the vehicle as possible.
• Shuffle your feet away until you are at least 40 feet, or the length of a football field.
• If you don't land on your feet, army crawl.