What To Do If You Crash Into a Utility Pole

Accidents happen. Would you know what to do if your car crashed into an electric utility pole? Knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death.

Always consider power lines and other electrical equipment to be live and dangerous.

If you crash into a utility pole and a power line falls on your vehicle—and if there is no fire—your safest option is to stay inside your vehicle until help arrives. Even if you can’t see any wires, your safest bet is to stay in the car because there may be an energized power line on the ground.

The vehicle acts as a path for the electrical current to travel to reach the ground. Electricity may be flowing through the frame of your car and along the ground. You’re safe inside the vehicle, but if you get out, you could be electrocuted. Only leave the car if it’s on fire.

If a power line falls on your vehicle—and there is a fire—you should carefully attempt to leave your vehicle. Open the car door, rotate your body until you are facing out; then put both feet on the running board and hop out, landing with both feet on the ground at the same time. Make sure that no part of your body or clothing touches the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Taking shuffling steps or hopping with both feet together, move at least 40 feet away from the vehicle.

Shuffling or hopping away with both feet together decreases the risk of electrical shock.

Whether you stay in the car or safely move away using these instructions, tell others to stay away from the crash site. They’re in danger, too. If you see someone has hit a utility pole, do not approach the crash site. Shout instructions to the crash victim, and call 911 and YOURNAME Electric Cooperative for help right away.