Indiana Electric Co-Ops Warn teen drivers to "stay in the car."
Stepping out of the car immediately after striking a utility pole may kill you. Here's why:
- Power lines fall. When a pole is stuck, power lines and hardware can break loose.
- Power lines are not insulated. Grabbing one, grazing up against one, or touching something that's touching it can kill you.
- Electricity seeks the quickest path to ground. You become that path if you get out of the car and touch a live power line and the ground. If you are alive, you are not creating that deadly "path to ground."
- Call 9-1-1. After hitting a pole, call 9-1-1. Tell them you hit a pole. And wait patiently. Tell others to stay back. Wait till you know it's safe before existing.