ROUND ROCK, Texas — On Thursday, Hank Lehning pulled over on Interstate 35 near Round Rock because there was a downed power line stretching across all lanes.
While parked on the shoulder of the road, Lehning took video of the power line. It was flapping up and down as 18-wheeler trucks drove over it on the other side of the highway.
During the video, another vehicle is seen driving toward the downed power line.
"Oh, I think the car is trying to go under it too," someone says in the video.
Video shows the car did try to drive under the power line, but wasn't able to. After a few seconds, you can see the driver back-up their vehicle and stop in front of the police vehicle that's parked on the shoulder too.
This is an example of what not to do when you see a downed power line, according to emergency officials.
According to Oncor, you should never approach, touch or attempt to move a downed power line. This includes any objects touching the downed power line. Instead, you should always assume the line is energized with high voltage.
"Power lines are not insulated. Stay away for safety," Oncor said on its site.
Many electricity companies suggest staying over 10 to 35 feet away from the line for safety.
Instead, if you see a downed power line:
- Leave the area immediately and call 911
- Report the downed line at 1-888-313-4747.