Forensic engineering expert witness Brad Shepherd, P.E., writes on power line incidents:
Overhead electrical power lines are installed on almost all major roadways and many other public and private rights-of-way. They are not insulated from contact (with few exceptions). When installed and maintained in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), they are safe as long as they are not approached (within certain limits) or touched by unskilled hands. However, contacts do occur and the result is always serious injury or death. These incidents usually result in litigation. The determination of why and how the contact was made and its preventability are the purview of the Forensic Electrical Engineer.
Mr. Shepherd has practiced professional engineering for forty years as an electrical engineer and engineering manager in industry.