Winter’s beauty often comes with a dangerous side, especially for drivers. Snow, ice, and high winds not only make roads treacherous but can also lead to accidents involving downed power lines. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration, 24 percent of weather-related crashes occur on snowy or icy pavement. Knowing how to handle these situations can save lives.
    Winter storms often bring down power lines, creating additional hazards for drivers and pedestrians. While the instinct to help after an accident is admirable, approaching a vehicle involved in a collision with a power pole can be life-threatening.

What You Should Do If a Power Line is Down:
    • Stay in Your Vehicle. The safest place to be is inside. Do not exit unless your car is on fire.
    • If You Must Exit: Jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground simultaneously. Keep your feet together, and shuffle or “bunny hop” to avoid electrical current flowing through your body.
    • Assume All Lines Are Energized. Downed lines may not spark, but they can still carry lethal electricity. Never drive over a downed line or approach one on foot.
    • Call 911 Immediately. Notify emergency services so utility crews can address the situation safely.
    If you’re stranded in your car after an accident, especially during extreme cold, it’s crucial to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia.

Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite to Watch For:
    • Change in skin color
    • Numbness
    • Shivering
     • Slurred speech
    • Loss of coordination
    • Confusion

While Waiting for Help:
    • Stay awake and alert.
    • Shift your position occasionally to keep circulation flowing.
    • Avoid overexertion, which can strain your heart.