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Why would anyone walk near downed powerlines on a wet surface? Any backfeed could kill these people at any second.
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This is correct. A downed power line doesn't even need to be near you to electrocute you. The voltage enters the ground and causes voltage gradients which would cause your left foot to be at a different potential compared to your right foot. If you are ever near a downed
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power line and have no other option to get away, hop on one foot away from the power line. This will reduce the chance of a voltage gradient across your body / legs.
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Another option is to put both feet closely together and hop like a bunny rabbit away from the line. Try to get at least 10 meters away from the point where the line touches the ground.