By Deputy Chief Trevor Van Auken,  Minoa Fire Department, NY, 2024

Vehicle collisions can involve utility poles, given the ubiquity of power lines along roadways. If you should suffer such bad luck, keep the following cautions in mind.

• Never assume a power line is dead. Even if a power line doesn't appear to be live, it may still be carrying a dangerous current.
• Stay in your car. Wait for a trained professional to tell you it's safe to leave the car.
• The safest place is usually inside the car. Only leave if the car is on fire or there is another immediate threat to your safety. 
• If you must exit, follow these practices to do so safely: 
  • Open the door without touching the metal frame.
  • Jump out with both feet together.
  • Shuffle away from the car. Keep both feet in contact with the ground, and shuffle at least 30 feet away.
• Call 911 emergency services immediately.
• Warn others to stay away. Tell anyone approaching your car to stay back.
• Don't touch anything that is in contact with the vehicle. Don't touch any passengers who may be in contact with a power line.
• Don't attempt to move anything. Don't try to move power lines or utility poles.
• Don't rely on protective gear, such as rubber boots, raincoats, rubber gloves, or wire cutters for protection.

Be safe.