A downed power line draped across your car is a terrifying, life-threatening emergency. Whether it's a high-tension transmission line or a lower-voltage distribution line, treat every fallen wire as live and deadly. Your actions in the next few seconds and minutes are critical. Here’s exactly what to do:
Immediate Actions: Stay Calm, Stay Put (If Possible)
STOP THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY: If the wire falls while you're moving, stop the car as quickly and safely as possible. Avoid jerking the steering wheel. Come to a complete stop.
STAY INSIDE THE VEHICLE (CRITICAL): Your car's metal frame (usually) acts as a "Faraday cage," directing electricity around you as long as you stay inside. This is your safest place. Do NOT open the door. Do NOT try to get out. Do NOT touch any metal parts connected to the outside (door handles, steering wheel column, gear shift, pedals) if possible. Sit still, keep your hands in your lap, and keep your feet off the pedals and floor if you can (without straining).
CALL FOR HELP:
Use your cell phone to dial 119 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
Clearly state: "A power line has fallen on my vehicle. I am trapped inside. Send police and fire department, and notify the electric utility company immediately. Do NOT approach the vehicle."
If you can't call, honk your horn continuously and yell out the window for bystanders to stay far away and call 119. Do NOT encourage anyone to approach you.
What NOT To Do (Extremely Dangerous Actions):
NEVER EXIT THE VEHICLE while the line is on or near it. Stepping out bridges the gap between the energized vehicle and the ground, allowing electricity to flow through YOU, causing severe injury or death.
NEVER ASSUME THE WIRE IS "DEAD": Even if it's not sparking or humming, assume it is energized. Wires can re-energize automatically.
NEVER TOUCH THE VEHICLE AND THE GROUND SIMULTANEOUSLY (like leaning out while touching the ground).
NEVER LET BYSTANDERS APPROACH THE VEHICLE. Anyone touching the car or coming close to the downed line is in extreme danger. Yell at them to stay back at least 30 feet (more for high-tension lines).
The Only Exception: Escaping a Burning Vehicle (Last Resort)
Fire is the Only Reason to Exit: If you see or smell smoke or fire, staying inside becomes more dangerous than the risk of electrocution. You MUST escape.
Prepare to Jump: Do NOT step out. You must jump clear without touching the car and ground at the same time.
Jump Technique:
Cross your arms over your chest (to avoid instinctively reaching out).
Open the door without touching the metal frame if possible (use clothing or push with foot/elbow).
JUMP as far away from the vehicle as you can, landing with your feet together. Do NOT touch any part of the vehicle as you jump.
Shuffle Away: Once you land:
Keep your feet TOGETHER and on the ground.
SHUFFLE your feet (don't lift them) in small steps, moving away from the vehicle and any downed lines/wires. Lifting a foot can create a voltage difference and electrocute you.
Continue shuffling until you are at least 30-40 feet away. For large transmission lines, go even farther (100+ feet).
Warn Others: Once at a safe distance, warn bystanders to stay far away.
After Escape or Rescue:
Stay Far Away: Do not approach the vehicle or the downed line for any reason.
Wait for Clearance: Only trained utility workers with specialized equipment can safely de-energize the line and confirm it's dead. Wait for their explicit "all clear" before retrieving belongings or having the vehicle moved.
Seek Medical Attention IMMEDIATELY: Even if you feel fine:
Electrical injuries can be internal and not immediately apparent. They can disrupt heart rhythm or cause severe tissue damage.
If you jumped clear, get checked for any trauma from the jump.
Tell medical personnel exactly what happened.
Why This Works (The Science):
The Faraday Cage Effect: A metal vehicle body generally conducts electricity around the occupants inside, protecting them as long as they don't create a path to the ground by exiting.
Voltage Gradient: When a live wire hits the ground, electricity spreads out. The voltage is highest at the point of contact and decreases with distance. Keeping your feet together minimizes the chance of current flowing through your body from one foot to the other (step potential). Shuffling keeps your feet at roughly the same voltage.
Remember:
STAY IN THE CAR if it's safe (no fire).
CALL 119 immediately.
WARN OTHERS TO STAY BACK.
ESCAPE ONLY IF FIRE FORCES YOU OUT - JUMP CLEAR & SHUFFLE AWAY.
ALL DOWNED LINES ARE DEADLY UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE BY UTILITY CREWS.
Knowing these steps could save your life or the lives of others. Stay calm, stay informed, and stay safe.
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