Boise (670 KBOI News) – Believe it or not, cars hit power poles in the Idaho Power Service Area about 400 times per year…that’s more than one a day.
Spokesman Jordan Rodriguez says that means that many people could find themselves in a car draped with live, downed power lines…not a good situation to be in.
He says if that’s ever the situation you find yourself in, just stay put and call for help.
“And the reason for that is, you’re actually insulated in your car, because of the rubber tires” said Rodriguez. “So you stay there, you call for help, the emergency responders will arrive, and Idaho Power personnel will arrive. They’ll be able to de-energize that line, make it safe for you to exit the vehicle.”
If your car is on fire, Rodriguez says jump as far clear of the car as you can, landing with your feet together, and hitting the ground at the same time. Then shuffle away about 100 feet from the wreck.
Click here to see a video from Idaho Power showing you how to deal with a car versus pole crash.
