In some regions, power lines transmit very high levels of electric current, up to 200 KV or more. Your car will become electrically charged if an active power line falls on it. It is critical to maintain calm and extreme caution in such a situation. The first thing you should know is that electricity cannot flow without a conductor (such as copper, iron, or other metals). Many sections of the car, thankfully, are composed of materials that do not conduct electricity. So, if a high-voltage cable falls on your car while you’re inside, what do you do?
It’s critical to stay inside your vehicle if a power line falls on it. An active power line frequently charges the metal parts of the car with electrical current, making it impossible for you to exit your car normally without being electrocuted. Place your hands in your lap, take extra care not to touch the frame of your car, which is very possibly charged with electrical current. If there are additional passengers in the vehicle, make sure everyone is staying calm and inside the car, doing the same thing. Anyone exiting the automobile incorrectly, will endanger everyone else in the car.
To warn others of a potential risk, honk your horn. If you’re on a major route with incoming traffic or pedestrians, this will warn them to the danger ahead and call for assistance. Because high-voltage power lines can generate electrical fields, being too close to the cables can be dangerous. Call out for help to contact the local electric management team. Turning off the power source will make the environment safe again.
If you observe smoke, escaping your automobile is perilous, so be sure it’s not on fire before doing so. If you notice smoke but no flames, double-check that the smoke isn’t coming from your vehicle. Smoke is heavy and takes a long time to evaporate, whereas exhaust dissipates quickly. If you see flames, your automobile is clearly on fire, and you should get out as soon as possible. To avoid being electrocuted, it’s critical to have as little touch with your car as possible.
Make sure you don’t make touch with the car’s metal frame when opening the door. Plastics are used to construct car door latches, making them safe to touch. To open the door, pull the latch. Keep in mind that you are not supposed to get out of the car as you normally would. Bring your legs together and cross your arms, making sure your feet or any other part of your body does not touch the car’s frame, so you’re ready to jump out. When leaving the automobile, make sure you’re wearing rubber-soled shoes to avoid getting any metal on you. Get out of the car as soon as possible. Maintain a tight grip on your legs so that both of your feet are in contact with the ground at the same moment.
The short video below further illustrates what you should do: