One of the scariest incidents that can happen while driving is a vehicle fire. While most people do not expect their car to suddenly catch on fire while driving, vehicle fires do happen more than you might think. According to reports, there are 33 car fires every hour in the United States, 18% of which occur on a road or highway. Vehicle fires also cause around 370 deaths, 1,675 injuries, and $1.41 billion in damages every year.
Preventing a vehicle fire is the easiest way to avoid injuries and damage. Routine maintenance and yearly check-ups will help minimize the likelihood of a fire. Additionally, if you smell burning rubber or plastic, safely pull over and investigate. If you suspect that your car may be leaking fluids, place a newspaper under your vehicle at night and check the next morning for stains. Finally, investigate any fuses that frequently blow. This can be a sign of electrical issues, and overloaded wires can cause a fire.
While prevention is key, it is also important to know what to do if your vehicle does catch on fire. Here are five steps that will help keep yourself and your passengers safe, as well as minimize damage.
1. Immediately move to the right shoulder or lane.
2. Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
3. Get yourself and all passengers out of the car and move as far away from the vehicle as you can. Get at least 150 feet away, but also make sure the area is safe and secure.
4. Call 911.
5. If possible, warn other traffic and onlookers to keep away.
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