Road Safety Blog

What to Do if an Electricity Power Line Falls on Your Car

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One of the most unusual and dangerous events that can happen to you is when a live electricity line lands on your car. Such a line will charge your car, so you need to be careful to avoid electrocution. Read on further on what you should do. 1

What To Do If Your Car Is Not on Fire

It’s crucial to stay in your car if possible. As soon as a live power line touches your vehicle, electrical current will flow through all the metal sections. To avoid electrocution, do not touch any metal part of the car’s body, and inform your passengers accordingly. If anyone leaves the car by not following a specific procedure, it could compromise the safety of all occupants. 1

Call Emergency Services

Immediately call your local emergency services and tell them your location and that a power line has fallen on your car. Strictly obey whatever advice they give you. 1

Notify Any Cars That May Stop to Help

Sound the hooter as soon as any cars stop to assist. Make gestures with your arms and if your windows are open, shout to them and notify them that they must not come closer than 15 metres. If you don’t have access to a cell phone, request any persons standing at a distance from your car to call your local emergency service. 1

Arrival of Police

Police near your car may ask questions or give some instructions. Only leave the vehicle once authorities have informed you that they have switched off the power and grounded the lines. 1

What To Do If Your Car Is on Fire

First, make sure this is the case because it’s better to avoid the risk of getting out of the car.1

Opening the Door

Be careful to use only the plastic handle of the door and push the door open without touching any metal. 1

Leaving the Car

After the door is open, keep your legs together and fold your arms. Don’t step out of the car the usual way but bring both legs slightly towards your chest. Then rotate on the seat facing the outside, making sure that no part of your body touches any metal. 1

Jump Out of the Car

With both legs kept together, jump out of the car and land on both your feet simultaneously. Doing it this way greatly minimises the risk of electrocution. Don’t slide out of the car while your feet are touching the ground. Your body should have left your seat when both feet hit the ground. 1

Moving Away from Your Car

Hop away from the car, keeping both feet about 15 cm apart on the ground. Make sure your feet land on the ground simultaneously. If you cannot hop, shuffle your feet instead. 1

When Is It Safe To Call Someone?

Once you are about 15 metres away from your car, you can make a call. Provide them with your exact location, informing them that a live power line has fallen on your vehicle. 1

Disclaimer

The article shows motorists what they should be aware of and what to do if an electricity line falls on their car. 1

Before such a rare incident should ever happen to you, enquire if your car insurance will cover any electrical or fire damage. If you need more information, come and enjoy our world-class client service at PMD, and learn about our affordable car insurance products with unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.

It’s better to consult a financial advisor for professional advice before buying a financial services product.

Source:

1https://www.wikihow.com/React-if-a-Power-Line-Falls-on-Your-Car

This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.

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