Go the other way / don't try it is the only good / survivable approach for the untrained. On the other hand this is equipped to survive and equipment does exist to help properly trained people evaluate the hazard level and respond. Just keep in mind that even properly trained and equipped people can and do die in situations like this.

Any active power line (in the USA) will be carrying 60Hz power and generating a detectable electrical field. There are sensors that can detect these fields from a relatively safe distance. This isn't the little $50 AC detector you get from your favorite HW store but purpose build devices for EMS and Electrical workers. Typical prices are in the $300 and up range and the sizes are not really good for EDC.

The biggest problem with these detectors is that they cannot tell you when the circuit will re-energize and if you are too close when that happens survival is highly unlikely.

- Eric