Distracted Driving Awareness: Vehicle Collisions Can Cause Power Outages

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month — a time to think about how a daily activity for many of us can have severe consequences if we’re distracted.

Power outages are one impact you may not typically think about. In fact, Idaho Power reports almost 900 power outages were caused by vehicle collisions last year.

Idaho Power encourages you to put safety first when driving by being aware of your surroundings and — perhaps most importantly — by limiting distractions.

If you collide with a power pole or other electrical device, stay in your vehicle if safe to do so and call 911 — especially if a downed power line is on your car. Exiting the vehicle could result in electrocution by providing electricity a path to the ground through your body.

For more ways to stay safe around electricity, visit idahopower.com/safety.

Maria Willacy
Communications Specialist
mwillacy@idahopower.com
208-388-5978