If powerlines were across your car, would you know what to do?

Energex Work Group Leader Lawrence Hitchcock said knowing the answer could save your life.

“Last year, 264 vehicles hit Energex equipment in South East Queensland,” Mr Hitchcock said.

“In many of these situations we saw powerlines fall across vehicles or vehicles becoming stuck on our electrical equipment.

“In all of these circumstances, the best way to stay safe is to STAY, CALL, WAIT. That is, STAY in the vehicle, CALL triple zero and WAIT for emergency services and our crews to arrive.

Mr Hitchcock said anyone trying to exit a vehicle with powerlines across it or electrical equipment underneath it will inadvertently close the electrical circuit and suffer either life-threatening injuries or even instant death.

“Electricity will always take the shortest route to earth and if you step out of a vehicle that has power running through it, that person will become that conduit and risk severe injury or much worse,” he said.

“Similarly, bystanders who think they’re doing the right thing trying to help people out of a car with lines across it may also suffer a severe electric shock or worse if they touch the vehicle. Although they’re just trying to help, they too should STAY at least 10 metres away and CALL triple zero.”

But what happens if the vehicle’s occupants must exit the vehicle due to a secondary emergency such as a fire?

According to Mr Hitchcock, the safest way get out of the vehicle is to open the door, look for clear ground without wires on it and, whilst keeping your feet together, jump as far away from the vehicle as possible, being careful not to touch the car or ground at the same time.

“Once you’re on the ground, shuffle your feet or think like the Easter Bunny and keep jumping with your feet together until you’re at least 10 metres away from the vehicle and wires,” he said.

From a vehicle technical perspective, any automobile that has been exposed to live electricity should not be driven for at least 24 hours and no one should be within 300 metres of it for that time Mr Hitchcock said.

“Voltage can cause a gas chemical reaction within the vehicle’s tyres possibly causing them to explode and affect the car’s electronics,” he said

“Owners of vehicles that have had live current through them should contact their insurance company and have their vehicle thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before driving them.”