Car Accident Brings Down Power Lines
A car accident can do a lot of damage to objects. Depending on what a vehicle hits, a crash can even cause power lines to come down.
This is what recently happened in New Jersey. A motor vehicle accident in Burlington County caused power lines to fall across an intersection. The incident happened just after midnight on November 29.
An SUV was traveling in Mount Holly when it lost control and slammed into a power pole at the intersection of Route 206 and Juliustown Road. It is unknown if anyone was injured. However, power lines were strewn across the intersection. Verizon crews arrived at the accident scene to make repairs.
Dangers of Power Lines on Roadways
Power lines on roadways pose serious safety risks. If they are damaged, fallen, or hanging low, they can cause a variety of hazards such as the following:
- Electrocution risk. A person who touches or comes close to a downed or hanging power line risks severe injury or death. Electricity from a downed power line can energize the ground. If someone walks near it, it could cause them to become electrocuted. If a vehicle touches a live power line, its occupants should stay inside and call for help. Exiting the vehicle could cause electricity to flow through the body.
- Traffic hazards. Power lines or related poles can block roadways, causing accidents or traffic disruptions. Drivers may not immediately notice low-hanging lines, leading to collisions. Uncertainty about power line status can slow emergency responders.
- Fire hazards. Live power lines can ignite nearby trees, grass, or vehicles, especially in dry conditions.
- Damage to infrastructure. Vehicles or objects striking utility poles can knock down lines, damaging surrounding properties or infrastructure.
- Unsafe actions. People unfamiliar with the dangers may attempt to move or approach downed lines, increasing risks.
Downed power lines can kill you. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:
- Call 911 immediately to report a downed power line.
- Don’t touch a downed power line with any object, including your hand.
- Don’t touch anything that is in contact with a downed power line, including a car or another person.
- Keep children and pets away from fallen power lines.
- Don’t drive over a downed power line.
If your vehicle does happen to come in contact with a downed power line, you need to stay safe. Follow these tips:
- Stay inside your car. The ground around your car may be energized.
- Get help by calling 911 from your car.
- Alert others by honking your horn or rolling down your window.
- Do not exit the vehicle. Wait until a utility worker or first responder tells you it’s safe to do so.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Car accidents can happen in a number of ways and cause various damages. It’s not common for power lines to fall, but it does happen from time to time.
Injured in a crash? Let a Morristown car accidents attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff guide you through the legal process. Fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
6abc.com/post/suv-crash-brings-down-power-lines-mount-holly-new-jersey/15603293/
