The video highlights a significant lesson in damage prevention, focusing on the necessity of being thorough even when you think you’ve covered your bases. In this case, an experienced contractor believed he had accurate information on utility lines but failed to call for an 811 utility mark before beginning work. This led to striking a high-voltage line during an excavation project for a new driveway. The contractor stresses the importance of never assuming all lines have been accounted for, urging others to always call for utility locates, even when a project seems straightforward.

The broader message is clear: even experienced professionals can make costly and dangerous mistakes when they skip critical steps. Damage prevention is about more than just making the call; it’s about verifying every potential utility conflict, including private lines, low-voltage circuits, and irrigation systems, to avoid unnecessary hazards.