What do you do? Ameren Illinois demonstrates how to stay safe around downed power lines

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois motorists drive off the road and hit more than 3,000 power poles each year.

Knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death.

"The normal reaction is to get out and assess the damage," said Ameren Illinois spokesman Brian Brecht. "That is the worst thing that can happen."

A downed power line that falls on or near an automobile creates an incredibly dangerous situation for both the vehicle occupants, as well as good Samaritans looking to assist.

"You don't have to physically touch a downed line to be seriously injured or killed," said Brecht. "In accidents involving a power line, remaining inside is actually the safest option."

Brecht said a downed power line may be energized. That energizes the vehicle as well as the area surrounding it.

"Leaving the vehicle could cause your body to become a path to the ground for the electricity," explains Brecht.

Brecht said there is no way to tell whether a downed line is live or dead until utility officials arrive on the scene.

"The line doesn't have to be arcing, sparking, or smoking to be energized," said Brecht.

Brecht said remaining calm and immediately calling 911 is the best idea. He also stressed that bystanders should never try to help. "You could put your life at risk by trying to help."

Brecht said the sole scenario in which occupants should exit the vehicle before the arrival of officials is if the vehicle begins to smoke or catches fire.

In that case, Brecht said "bunny hopping" is the best way to reach safety.

Brecht demonstrated the procedure at Marion's Ameren Illinois office last week.

First, you should open the vehicle's door as wide as possible. Brecht stressed to make sure your body does not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.

Turn your body toward the open door. Place your feet together and hold your arms tightly against your body.

"It's very important to keep your feet together," said Brecht, explaining that doing so reduces the chances of your body becoming an electrical conduit.

Using the "bunny hop," you should hop away from the vehicle and continue hopping as far as possible away from the accident.

Brecht said that while Ameren Illinois maintains exceptionally strong and sturdy infrastructure, it is possible for a storm to cause overhead lines to fall.

He stressed it is never safe to drive over a down line laying across the road or try to move it yourself.

"Instead, immediately call Ameren Illinois at (800) 755-5000," he said.<object id="Extra Pictures" type="x-im/image" uuid="C374A8B7-582B-4758-BCDC-76478AABF5A5"><links><link rel="self" type="x-im/image" uri="im://image/C374A8B7-582B-4758-BCDC-76478AABF5A5.jpg" uuid="C374A8B7-582B-4758-BCDC-76478AABF5A5"><data><title><![CDATA[