Why can't you get out of the car when it touches a high-voltage power line?
4 Answers
When a car touches a high-voltage power line, the vehicle itself becomes a conductor. Contact with any part of the car's edge can result in electric shock and pose a life-threatening danger. Below is a detailed explanation: 1. Explanation one: If you encounter a high-voltage power line that is very close to the ground or has already fallen to the ground, you must not approach or gather around it. Moreover, never attempt to lift the line with your hands or use objects to poke it. 2. Explanation two: To ensure the safety of the occupants inside the car, the safest course of action is to remain inside the vehicle and immediately call "110" or "95598" to report the issue. It is crucial not to panic and flee the vehicle without knowing whether the power line is live, as this could lead to electric shock due to the voltage generated by the high-voltage line on the vehicle's body or the ground.
A friend of mine who is an electrical engineer told me that if your car comes into contact with a high-voltage power line, you must never get out of the car. This is because the high-voltage electricity is conducted through the power line to the car, and the car body acts like a large metal box, trapping the current and creating a Faraday cage effect. As long as the people inside the car don't touch any metal, they will be safe because the current will flow along the car body. However, if you open the door and step out, your body becomes the path for the current! With your feet on the ground and your hand touching the car door, the current will flow directly from your hand to your feet, causing an instant electric shock that can burn organs or even be fatal. I've checked accident reports, and many people who panicked and rushed out of their cars ended up in serious trouble. So, stay in the car, don't move, and immediately call emergency services with your phone. The electrical rescue team will use insulated hooks to remove the power line. When driving normally, remember to stay away from high-voltage power line towers, keeping at least 10 meters of distance as a precaution.
As a truck driver with 20 years of experience, I've encountered several dangerous situations. When your vehicle comes into contact with high-voltage power lines, never rush to get out. The current is extremely strong and can travel from the metal roof to the chassis. You're safe sitting inside the cab because the vehicle frame acts as a protective layer. But if you open the door and step out, your feet touching the ground will complete a circuit with the vehicle body. The voltage difference can allow current to pass through your body, potentially fatal within seconds. I've witnessed inexperienced drivers panic and exit the vehicle with tragic consequences. Remember: Stay put inside, and call 119 or 110. Emergency responders will handle the situation properly when they arrive. Also, avoid touching door handles or other exposed metal parts inside the vehicle as an extra precaution. Prevention is key—the best strategy is to drive around high-voltage areas whenever possible.
As a tech enthusiast who enjoys studying physics, the solution to encountering high-voltage power lines while in a car is straightforward: the high-voltage current flows along the car's exterior shell, but the interior maintains the same electric potential, preventing harm from the current. This is known as an equipotential state. The danger arises when exiting the vehicle—your body connects the car's body to the ground, creating a significant potential difference. This allows current to flow through you, leading to severe burns or cardiac arrest. Scientifically, this is similar to the dangers of lightning. Therefore, staying inside the car is safe—avoid opening windows or touching external objects. Call professionals to cut off the power supply. This small piece of knowledge can save lives.
