CABLES

Cables

A downed power line is one of the most dangerous and least understood hazards you can face after a crash. What looks like a simple wire on the ground can instantly turn a scene deadly if you don’t respond correctly. The real danger often isn't visible, and the wrong move can cause severe injury or death in seconds.

What should you do if your vehicle touches a live electrical cable? Should you remain inside the car or exit immediately? How can you tell if a wire is live or not? What is the safest way to leave the vehicle if necessary? How far away should you move from the scene to avoid electric shock? What should you do when emergency services arrive and the cable is still active?

This page offers straightforward, life-saving advice for handling accidents involving downed power lines or electric cables. It explains how electricity can travel through the ground or your vehicle, why staying inside may be safer, and how to exit properly if you must. These steps can help you avoid electric shock, minimize panic, and give emergency responders space to work safely.

Understanding the dangers of live wires after a crash is not just useful, it’s critical. With clear guidance and smart habits, you can reduce the risk of serious injury to yourself and others. This resource equips you with the knowledge to stay calm, assess the danger, and make the right moves in moments where instinct may not be enough.

Take note of the practical points below:

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☠️ Alert:

⮟ Dangers related to live electrical cables

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☠️ Dangers related to live electrical cables

Treat any cables or wires as live, even if there is no sign such as arcing, buzzing or sparking.
Never touch or even get close to a fallen cable as a high-powered cable can arc across a gap.
Stay at least 10 meters (35 feet) from a cable. Rings of voltage surrounding the cable can still electrocute you from a distance.
Also make sure there are no items in contact with the cable that could transmit the current.
Stay in your vehicle, unless threatened by other dangers such as fire or smoke.
If you have a cable across your vehicle and you have to get out of the vehicle, note these points:
Being careful not to touch any conductive surfaces, open your door. It may be best to use some item to shield your hand from a metal handle.
Always use your right hand. If electricity courses through your body, it is further from the heart.
Try and touch with the outside of your hand. If electricity flows through your hand, it will involuntarily tense the muscles in your fingers and you won't be able to let go of the conductive object.
Stand on the threshold with your feet together.
Jump clear of the vehicle, being careful not to touch the body while jumping.
Once your feet hit the ground, shuffle or bunny hop to safety. Always keep your feet as close to each as possible:
Shuffle - Keep your feet together on the ground, never lifting up, and sliding one foot forward at a time.
Bunny hop - Keep both feet together and hop like a bunny.
Do not crawl.
Do not touch the ground with your hands.
Do not touch your vehicle or anyone in the vehicle.
Try to get at least 10 meters (35 feet) away from the vehicle.
Call emergency services and explain the electrical threat.

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