What To Do If Your Car Catches On Fire
In 2020, vehicle fires accounted for 15% of fires in the United States. The causes of a vehicle fire vary. The top causes include fuel system leaks, electrical system failures, spilled fluids, overheating engines and design flaws. No matter the cause, a vehicle fire is a frightening situation which can involve great danger to vehicle occupants and bystanders.
Follow these step-by-step general suggestions on what to do if a vehicle catches fire:
In all vehicle fire situations, the first thing to think about is personal safety; any vehicle can be replaced–humans cannot. Think and act quickly, in the safest way possible.
While You are Moving on a Roadway
- Signal your intentions and move to the right lane.
- Get onto the shoulder or breakdown lane.
- Stop immediately.
- Shut off the engine.
- Get yourself and all other persons out of the vehicle.
- Get far away from the vehicle and stay away from it. Keep onlookers and others away.
- Warn oncoming traffic.
- Notify the fire department.
- Don’t attempt to try to put out the fire yourself.
While the Vehicle is Stopped in Traffic or Parked
- Shut off the engine.
- Get far away from the vehicle.
- Warn pedestrians and other vehicles to stay away.
- Notify the fire department.
- Don’t attempt to try to put out the fire yourself.
In all vehicle fire situations, the first thing to think about is personal safety; any vehicle can be replaced–humans cannot. Think and act quickly, in the safest way possible.