The only real protection available to people working around a vehicle when a boom makes contact with a live conductor is to stay on the vehicle or what?

The correct response highlights the critical safety practice for individuals working around vehicles near live conductors. Staying away from the area of contact between the boom and the live conductor is essential for personal safety. When a boom contacts energized conductors, electricity may not only travel through the boom but can also create dangerous situations where a person could become part of the circuit, leading to severe electrical shock or even fatal injuries.

By maintaining a safe distance from the area where the boom might contact a live conductor, individuals reduce their risk of exposure to potentially lethal electrical energy. It is vital to recognize that immediate movements toward the area can increase risk, while remaining on the vehicle is typically advised only in certain circumstances to avoid ground potential differences. Other choices like moving, operating controls, or grounding quickly could lead to unsafe actions in an already precarious situation. Therefore, ensuring physical distance from potential electrical hazards stands as the best safety practice.