Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: No Imminent Danger
In a situation when a vehicle has contacted a utility pole and there is no imminent danger, do the following:
Keep yourself and others away from the vehicle. If a power line is touching the vehicle or the ground near it, anyone who touches the vehicle while on the ground could get shocked.
Instruct the driver to drive away from the power line if this can be done safely. Have them drive at least 30 feet away from a distribution line or 100 feet from a transmission line before exiting the vehicle.
If the vehicle cannot be moved and there is no immediate danger, have occupants stay inside the vehicle. They will be safest from electric shock inside the vehicle.
Do not allow occupants to leave the vehicle until the utility representative confirms that the line has been de-energized.