Energex has warned motorists that what drivers in accidents do when powerlines have fallen across their cars could be the difference between life and death.
Area Manager at Energex, Matt Hilder said that often the first instinct in such situations was to get out of the vehicle, but that was the most dangerous thing to do.
“Without question, as long as there isn’t a secondary danger such as a fire, the safest course of action is to stay, call and wait,” Mr Hilder said.
“That means, stay in the vehicle or 10 metres away, call triple zero and wait for help.”
He said if someone tried to step out of a vehicle with powerlines across it, there was a high possibility the outside of the car was live, so when they touched the ground it would close the circuit and the electricity would run through their body to the ground.
“This can easily end in severe injury — or, just as likely — instant death,” Mr Hilder said.
“Similarly, people who witness an accident often try to do the right thing and assist people in the vehicle, but this presents the very same danger.”
He said the safest place for someone outside the vehicle was to be 10 metres away, and the best way to help those inside was to call triple zero.
“When you phone triple zero make sure you make it clear there are powerlines causing an issue. That way the call taker can have an Energex crew dispatched to the scene to make it safe for the vehicle’s occupants, as well as emergency services workers when they arrive,” Mr Hilder said.
He said in the case of a secondary danger like a fire, the safest way was to open the vehicle door, look for clear ground without wires on it and, whilst keeping 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 jump until you’re at least 10 metres away from the vehicle and wires,” he said.
