Ergon Energy issue Easter holiday safety message to Mackay and Whitsunday

Ergon Energy is urging Mackay and Whitsunday to stay safe this Easter when hitting the road.

While the Easter break can present great opportunities for people to hit the road, it can also cause a risk.

Ergon Energy is warning drivers to stay safe if they accidentally hit a power pole and power lines fall across their car.

According to the power company, 90 vehicles hit Ergon’s equipment in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions last year.

“In all of these circumstances, the best way to stay safe is to STAY, CALL, WAIT,” Ergon Energy Work Group leader Dane Wales said.

“That is, STAY in the vehicle, CALL triple zero and WAIT for emergency services and our crews to arrive.”

Ergon Energy issue Easter holiday safety message to Mackay and Whitsunday. Picture: Ergon Energy

Mr Wales said anyone trying to exit a vehicle with power lines across it or electrical equipment underneath it will inadvertently close the electrical circuit and suffer either life-threatening injuries or even instant death.

“Electricity will always take the shortest route to Earth and if you step out of a vehicle that has power running through it, that person will become that conduit and risk severe injury or much worse,” he said.

“Bystanders who think they’re doing the right thing trying to help people out of a car with lines across it may also suffer a severe electric shock or worse if they touch the vehicle.

“Although they’re just trying to help, they too should STAY at least 10 metres away and CALL triple zero.”

Last year 90 vehicles hit Ergon equipment in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions.

According to Ergon, the safest way to get out of the vehicle is to open the door, look for clear ground without wires on it and, while keeping your feet together, jump as far away from the vehicle as possible, being careful not to touch the car or ground at the same time.

“Once you’re on the ground, shuffle your feet or think like the Easter Bunny and keep jumping with your feet together until you’re at least 10 metres away from the vehicle and wires,” Mr Wales said.

Any vehicle that has been exposed to live electricity should not be driven for at least 24 hours and no one should be within 300 metres of it for that time.

“Voltage can cause a gas chemical reaction within the vehicle’s tyres, possibly causing them to explode and affect the car’s electronics,” Mr Wales said.

“Owners of vehicles that have had live current through them should contact their insurance company and have their vehicle thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before driving them.”