Tocantins has already recorded 114 pole collisions in the first four months of 2024. Despite the reduction of 28.7%, when compared to the same period in 2023, when 160 such incidents occurred, the number is still worrying, as there is a an average of 28 poles down per month and almost one every day in the months of January, February, March and April this year alone. In the capital, Palmas alone, 24 pole collisions were recorded, an average of six incidents per month.
Check out the ranking of the 10 cities in the State that had the most poles down in 2024:
- Palmas: 24 posts
- Araguaína: 16 posts
- Fish: 5 posts
- Porto Nacional: 5 posts
- Campos Lindos: 4 posts
- Cariri do Tocantins: 4 posts
- Gurupi: 4 posts
- Tocantins Hills: 3 posts
- Pedro Afonso: 3 posts
- Dawn: 2 posts
According to the Coordinator of Energisa Tocantins, Tony Franco, haste, cell phone use and alcohol are some of the factors that can contribute to a collision with a pole. However, regardless of the reasons, these accidents can cause much more than material damage.
“The risk of electric shock for anyone inside or outside the vehicle is extremely high, even more so if the power cables break. Even though the concessionaire’s distribution network is equipped with protection technology to interrupt supply in situations like these, it is always important to consider the network energized and take precautionary measures in this type of situation,” he says.
However, if there is an accident involving a pole, the recommendation is that the occupants remain inside the car, without touching the metal parts, waiting for the arrival of a specialized team from the distributor. Anyone who witnessed the accident should keep their distance from the vehicle and call for help immediately. “Sometimes, in their anxiety to help those inside the car, people can touch a broken cable and suffer an electric shock. So, do not touch the vehicle, call Energisa and the Fire Department to provide assistance properly”, concludes the coordinator.
Safety Tips
If you are involved in or witness a traffic accident with a power pole, it is important to remain calm and call the Fire Department (193) and Energisa (0800 721 3330). Check out some tips below that can make all the difference to people’s safety in cases like this:
– In emergency situations it is important to remain calm to make safe decisions.
– If you know it is safe, stay inside the vehicle.
– Do not touch the pole or electrical wires: Even if they seem harmless, the wires can be energized and pose a risk to life.
– If there is water in the area, or it is raining, stay inside the vehicle. If you are witnessing an accident, stay away to avoid conducting electricity.
– Wait for specialized help: Only trained professionals should approach the accident site to carry out safety procedures.
– Do not use or touch any metal object to try to free yourself from the pole or wires.
– If you see a collision involving electrical poles and wires, stay away and contact the Fire Department (193) and Energisa (0800 721 3330)
– If you witness an accident of this type, inform those nearby about the risks and instruct them to keep their distance.
– Drive responsibly and carefully, respecting traffic regulations, to avoid accidents.
