Red Seal Powerline Technician Practice Exam

What should you do in the event of a vehicle incident involving overhead lines?

1. Get out of the vehicle immediately

2. Stay in the vehicle and call for help until lines are de-energized

3. Move the vehicle to a safer location

4. Signal traffic to stop

The correct answer is: Stay in the vehicle and call for help until lines are de-energized

In the event of a vehicle incident involving overhead lines, remaining in the vehicle and calling for help until the lines are de-energized is the safest course of action. This is because power lines can potentially be energized and pose a serious risk of electrical shock if touched or approached by anyone outside the vehicle. The vehicle acts as a "Faraday cage," protecting the occupants from electric shock while remaining inside. When power lines are down, there is a high risk that the lines could come into contact with the vehicle or the surrounding area, increasing the danger. Therefore, staying put until professionals can confirm that the lines are de-energized is essential for ensuring personal safety. Getting out of the vehicle immediately can expose individuals to the risk of electric shock, especially if the lines are live. Moving the vehicle can also be hazardous, as it might make contact with a live line or destabilize the situation further. Signaling traffic to stop could be useful, but it does not address the immediate danger posed by the overhead lines. The focus should always be on personal safety first and waiting for trained emergency personnel to handle the situation appropriately.