Whether falling snow or a forecast for sleet, road conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Adjusting how one drives in changing weather can help ensure safety for everyone on the road, but accidents can still happen. And when they do, especially if a utility pole or line is involved, knowing what to do next can make a big difference for drivers and their passengers. 

In any season, vehicle accidents can contribute to power outages. If you do find yourself in a situation where your car has hit a pole, causing a line to fall on top of it, what you do next is critical. This is also the case if you witness or encounter an accident involving a downed line. To stay safe in these scenarios, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) wants drivers to:

• If you do not detect smoke or flames following the accident, remain in your vehicle until help arrives and call 911. Wait until the line becomes de-energized and you are alerted by first responders that it is safe to exit. Always assume the line is fully energized.
• If it becomes unsafe to remain in the vehicle (smoke or flames are present), exit the vehicle and avoid making contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. The power line on your vehicle has caused the car and the ground around it to become energized. Stepping from one voltage to the next can cause a person to become a path for electricity. Exit by jumping from your vehicle and landing with both feet together on the ground.
• Do not run from the vehicle. Shuffle or hop away, keeping both feet in contact with each other, until you are at least 100 feet from the vehicle.
• If you witness or encounter a vehicle accident that has taken down this equipment, do not approach that vehicle. Call 911 and wait a safe distance until first responders arrive.

Helping keep our customers and community safe is a top priority. From storm safety to staying safe around power lines, find a full list of tips and information at https://www.indianamichiganpower.com/safety/.