Energex is warning drivers to take more care around power poles after a series of accidents.
Area Manager at the utility, Justin Madsen said he was concerned about the number of vehicles hitting poles and wires, which could lead to serious injury or death.
“We want to prevent these accidents from happening in the first place, but it’s also important people know what to do in an emergency,” Mr Madsen said.
“With more Queenslanders than ever opting for road trips these school holidays, Energex is encouraging drivers to be aware of what to do if they’re involved in a vehicle accident that brings down powerlines.”
He said that in an accident, often the first instinct was to get out of the vehicle, but if it involved powerlines, the safest place was to stay inside the car, call triple zero and wait for help.
“Inside the vehicle is the safest place because there’s a good chance the electrical asset you’ve struck or the powerlines over your car are still live and, if you try get out, the moment your foot touches the ground the electricity will run through your body, potentially killing you instantly,” Mr Madsen said.
“In the unlikely event that a vehicle catches fire, carefully jump from it, being very sure not to touch your car and ground at the same time. Then, hop or shuffle away for at least 10 metres, ensuring both feet remain together and in contact with the ground at all times.”
He said it was also human nature to want to help others who had been in a vehicle crash, but if the accident involved electricity there was a need to stay away and keep others away, leaving any rescues to the experts.
“If you come across an accident scene where there are powerlines over a car, or it is touching anything electrical, never approach and try to touch the vehicle. The ground surrounding the vehicle may be live for up to 10 meters from the car or any downed powerlines,” Mr Madsen said.
“If it is you stuck in the car and you see people approaching to help, urge them to stay at least 10 metres away,” he said.
