With Christmas party season in full swing and parking at a premium in suburban streets, Energex is reminding Sunshine and North Coast motorists to take extra care around the green electrical pillar boxes found in front yards in underground power estates.
Last year alone, there were nearly 36 incidents of vehicles striking electrical infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast and 800 statewide with many of them involving these pillar boxes.
These incidents also affected power supply to nearly 7,300 Sunshine Coast homes and businesses.
And with more cars squeezed onto footpaths and front yards during the festive season, the risk is even higher.
Energex Work Group Leader Alex Worship said the festive season often sees people parking on front yards and footpaths; exactly where these pillar boxes are located.
“We know everyone’s excited to celebrate with family and friends, but please keep an eye out for our green pillar boxes when parking,” Mr Worship said.
“They’re not just boxes. They house live electrical components and hitting one can be extremely dangerous.
“When vehicles strike a pillar box, the impact can damage live electrical parts inside potentially causing the body of the car itself to become live with electricity.
“If someone then steps out of the vehicle, their body could complete the circuit, causing the current to earth through them – possibly resulting in life-threatening injuries or worse.”
If you hit a pillar box or any electrical equipment remember:
Stay in your vehicle
Call Triple Zero (000)
Wait for emergency help to arrive
However, if there’s a secondary life-threatening issue, such as a fire, and people must leave the vehicle, the safest way is to open the vehicle door as wide as possible and jump from the vehicle being careful not to touch both the car and ground at the same time.
Once out of the vehicle, either shuffle your feet or keep jumping until you’re at least 10 metres away.
Mr Worship also urged bystanders to resist the urge to help.
“It’s human nature to want to assist, but please stay back because the vehicle could be live with electricity. Keep at least 10 metres away from the car and any electrical equipment,” he said.
“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas and a little extra care when parking can prevent a tragedy.”
