Steps to follow if a power line falls on your car: A guide

The US has been hit with massive storms this winter season, taking up more than 90 lives.

Three people in Oregon passed away on Wednesday after a power line fell on their car. Witnesses say while escaping, their feet touched the frozen ground while their bodies were still touching the vehicle, CNBC reported.

The fire department in their statement stated, "They became part of the active electrical circuit which resulted in their deaths."

The news has prompted safety experts to share tips on how to approach dangerous situations involving live wires.

According to the guidelines by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in a situation like this when the power line falls on your car while you’re inside, then you should remain inside and keep the ignition on.

Michael Morse, professor of electrical engineering at the University of San Diego, said: "The only time you ever want to exit the car near downed power lines is if the vehicle is catching fire."

In that case, he suggested, trying to push the door open and jump from the vehicle without touching the car and the ground at the same time.

Other rules to follow:

• Stay inside the car if possible. Don’t touch the inside nor the frame of the car.
• Call for help.
• Do not touch anything that has a power line fallen over it.
• Do not touch a person who has been electrocuted as the human body can conduct and spread electricity.
• Stay at least 35 feet away from a downed power line.
• In the case of your car catching fire, run a minimum of 50 metres away.