If a vehicle accident occurs involving a power pole, always be safe and assume the vehicles involved are carrying electricity. Fallen or broken power lines can still be energized even if they don’t appear to be.

If there is a vehicle in contact with a downed power line and you are outside the vehicle:

• Stay at least a bus-length away, which is 10 metres (33 feet).
• Call 911.
• Yell to anyone in the vehicle to stay where they are.
• NB Power crews will come and secure the electrical equipment so the vehicle and people can be safely removed from the scene.

If there is a vehicle in contact with a downed power line and you are inside the vehicle:

• If you can move at least 10 meters (33 feet) away from the power line in your vehicle, do so.
• If you can't drive the vehicle, stay where you are until help arrives.
• If there is another issue, like a fire, you must get out of the vehicle, but remember these important steps:
1. Never touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
2. Open the vehicle door by the handle, but don’t touch the door itself.
3. Keeping your feet together, jump out and away from the vehicle.
4. Shuffle at least 10 metres (33 feet) away with your feet together, keeping a heel to toe connection at all times.
5. Call 911.