B-C Hydro says it’s seeing a rise in the number of car accidents involving its power poles and other electrical equipment and is offering tips to avoid injury. The utility says it responded to more than 2,100 accidents involving its equipment last year, which is 13 per cent higher than the five-year average. The region with the largest spike in collisions was the Lower Mainland at 16 per cent. All other regions also saw more collisions with the exception of the central Interior, which saw a two per cent decrease. In the event of an accident involving electrical equipment, BC Hydro recommends driving out from under the power line and at least 10 metres away, or the length of a bus, from the source of electricity if it is safe to do so. If it’s unsafe to do so because of injury or because the vehicle is inoperable, occupants should remain in the vehicle, phone 911 and wait for BC Hydro crews to arrive.
