During the World Wars, did tanks have to be careful about what they ran over?

by Vegetakarot

For example, could they run over power lines and be safe from electrocution?

DeadGripss

One danger for tanks was getting stuck in trenches as seen here which prompted designs like the tadpole with its extended body and tracks. Other major issues were swampy or very muddy ground where the tanks could get stuck, especially heavy ones, as well as weak bridges which could not support their weights.

From U.S. Army's Land Acquisition Project for National Training Center, Fort Irwin, San Bernardino County: Environmental Impact Statement pg 4-182

The impact of a tank or other military vehicle with a utility tower could not only result in injuries from the collision but also in potential electrocution hazards if the integrity of the tower is affected. In addition, some of the power poles located within this alternative may be low enough that high profile vehicles could potentially come in contact with electrical wires. This could also result in an electrocution hazard. The presence of high pressure natural gas pipelines in the utility corridor may also represent a a safety hazard if heavy military vehicles continually cross at the same points or if maneuver actives compromise the the underground pipeline.

Also from U.S. Army's Land Acquisition Project for National Training Center, Fort Irwin, San Bernardino County: Environmental Impact Statement pg 4-182

There is a potential safety risk to military vehicles operating in close proximity to overhead electrical transmission lines and underground natural gas pipelines during a seismic event. The risks are related to electrocution and/or injury if the overhead lines break, a utility tower topples, or underground pipeline ruptures. These impacts could be considered significant.

So yes, electrocution is definitely a possible hazard for tanks during the World Wars, as well as rupturing gas lines, swampy ground, weak bridges, and trenches, meaning that tanks and other forms of armor and vehicles had to be careful of what they drove over and other environmental hazards.