National Teen Driver Safety Week

This week is observed October 15 through 21 of 2023. 8 people die in distracted-related crashes on American roads each day, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). While this information, provided by Safe Electricity, is offered for teens, it serves as a good reminder for adult drivers as well.

Texting while driving takes your eyes off the road for approximately 5 seconds. Other distractions include sifting through music, checking social media, using navigation, eating, talking on the phone, taking selfies, drinking a beverage, or using an app.

Although no one wants to think about teens being in car accidents, it does happen. Severe storms can damage utility equipment. Have discussions with teens about what to do if there is a downed power line or damaged equipment.

Here is how the ground or objects can become energized without any visual indication:

• The energy spreads like ripples on a pond.
• If you walk or run from one voltage “ripple” to another, your feet experience a difference in voltage (this is called step potential).
• If you touch something at one voltage and step on or touch something at a different voltage, your hands (or your hand and foot) experience a difference in voltage (called touch potential).
• Your body becomes electricity’s path to ground when electrical current enters your body at one point and exits at another.

Downed lines or other damaged utility equipment can look lifeless and harmless and still be live. Downed lines and other damaged electrical apparatuses do not have to be sparking, moving, sizzling, or giving off flames to be energized.

If you are in a car accident, stay inside your vehicle, call 9-1-1 and report that there is damaged electric utility equipment. If you are a bystander, do not approach the scene to help. Stay at least 50 feet away and do not lean on or touch anything.