Since January 2023, Tideland has experienced 12 power outages due to vehicle-impacted infrastructure. Fortunately, none have resulted in a fatality. Of those 12, six involved a farm vehicle and the remaining six were passenger vehicles. The average length of those power outages came to three hours and six minutes with a total of 4,947 members impacted.

With driver-distracted accidents on the rise, it is more important than ever for drivers, first responders and passersby to know how to safely handle these types of incidents.

If a line is down, always assume it is energized and dangerous, even if the power is out in your area. Touching or getting near a live power line injures and kills. Line properties can change: Any power line that is dead could become energized at any moment due to power restoration or back feed from backup generators.

Never approach an accident scene where a power line is down or damaged. If you run toward the accident to help, you too could become a victim by entering the energized area which can include the vehicle and the ground surrounding the accident site.

If you are inside a vehicle that is in contact with a utility pole or downed power line, do not attempt to drive away or get out. Call for help and STAY INSIDE THE VEHICLE until utility crews say it is safe to get out. If there is a fire or you smell gasoline, jump out without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time and then hop away to safety.