Something we probably never give much thought to is a vehicle fire, but it does and can happen. According to some reports, a vehicle fire happens every 96 seconds and if those reports are accurate, that means vehicle fires are not as uncommon as some of us may think.  Faulty fuel pumps, oil leaks, electrical problems and cracked fuel lines are just some of the ways accidental vehicle fires start.

According to the United States Fire Administration, statistics for 2006 included 278,000 vehicle fires on United States highways, which resulted in 490 deaths, 1,200 injuries and millions of dollars in loss.  The United States Fire Administration stated in 2002 that electrical wiring and fuel were the leading cause of vehicle fires, while fires after a collision were the leading cause of vehicle deaths. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate any statistics for 2007.

So, how can you prevent vehicle fires?  Here are some safety tips that may help save your life and prevent injury:

• Check all fuel lines periodically for splits, cracks, wear and a deteriorating condition.  Replace old or worn fuel lines and hoses with new ones, especially on older vehicles.

• Clean the engine and keep it that way, giving it a good clean up each time you wash your car. An engine which is dirty or has a lot of oil gunking things up, dripping or smeared all over is a fire merely waiting for a chance to ignite.

• Always use recommended fuses and replace them as soon as possible. 

• Don’t leave loose wires exposed.

• Clean out your vehicle routinely and throw away all trash.

• If you’re a smoker, make sure your cigarettes are completely out in the ashtray and never leave a smoldering cigarette burning unattended. Cigarettes can fall out of ashtrays and easily start a fire on the floorboard, under or on seats.

• Some people have purchased fire extinguishers and store them in a secure location where they can retrieve them quickly for small fires.  If you decide to buy one, you’ll want to mount the fire extinguisher in your vehicle in a safe and sturdy location and not on the floor or on a seat. Fire extinguishers roll, can easily become wedged under seats or in hard to reach areas and can be thrown about the cabin during traffic accidents or sudden stops.

If your vehicle catches fire:

• If you can, pull off to the side of the road.

• Get out of the vehicle as quickly as you can and assist any passengers who need help exiting the vehicle as soon as possible.

• Get as far away from the vehicle as possible and call 911 as soon as you are a safe distance away. 

• Due to the risk of explosion and inhalation of toxic fumes, never approach a vehicle which is on fire, attempt to open the hood or put out a fire yourself.

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