Each year, hundreds of collisions occur between cars and utility poles. These incidents often occur when roads are icy and snow blankets the roadways.

Collisions with power poles not only cause serious injuries, but they also cause power outages and cost customers hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs annually. Three separate car-pole accidents caused power outages Monday morning.

Idaho Power reminds customers to take extra caution when driving this winter by reducing speeds and limiting distractions.

If you are involved in a collision with a power pole and there are power lines on the ground, remain in your car until help arrives. Always assume power lines are energized, and never touch them. If you are a bystander, stay at least 100 feet back and call 911 or Idaho Power at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley for help.

Idaho Power also reminds customers they can sign up to receive alerts of outages at their residences through their Idaho Power My Account.

For more on what to do around downed power lines, visit idahopower.com/safety.

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