If you are at the scene of such an accident, do not approach a car that is touching power lines. Remain a safe distance away, keep the victim in the vehicle calm and wait for emergency personnel to handle the situation Never drive over downed power lines. Even if not energized, they can become entangled in your vehicle. Never touch downed power lines or use any object to move power lines, including brooms, boards, limbs or plastic materials. Although wood is non-conductive, if even slightly wet it will conduct electricity, causing electric shock or electrocution.
Power lines can also slide down such objects when lifted.
Only qualified electric utility workers should attempt to move downed power lines. Never touch a person who is in contact with power lines or other objects that are touching power lines. You cannot help them by being electrocuted yourself. Do not attempt to cut or remove a tree that is, or could become, entangled with power lines. Do not allow children to play in trees close to power lines, or to swing on guy wires.