Have you ever seen a car on fire on the side of the road and wondered how that happened?
Car fires are actually more prevalent than what you may have thought, as 33 car fires are reported every hour in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Inexperienced drivers are the most at risk to experience a car fire, including teenagers and young adults. However, any driver can be at risk of suffering a car fire depending on the circumstances.
State Farm reports that there were 181,500 car fires in 2018, with the main cause being the car’s electrical wiring and fuel systems or even a cigarette left in car that led the engine to catch fire.
The insurance company recommends being aware of the following car fire warning signs:
- Fuses that blow repeatedly
- Spilled oil under the hood left over from an oil change
- Oil or other fluid leaks under the vehicle
- Cracked or loose wiring, or wiring with exposed metal
- Very loud sounds from the exhaust system
- Rapid changes in fuel level, oil levels, or engine temperature
- A missing cap from the oil filler
- Broken or loose hoses
ConsumerNotice.org reports that 62 percent of car fires start at the engine, drivetrain, or wheel areas; 12 percent at the passenger compartment; and five percent in the trunk or cargo area.
Preventing Car Fires
Regular car maintenance and being a safe motorist are the first steps in preventing car fires, as many of them are the result of fuel line malfunctions or split fuel pipes. If you ever smell something burning from the engine or have discovered blown fuses, have a trusted mechanic check out the problem and remedy the situation.
If your car does catch fire, pull over and turn off the vehicle to prevent the car from igniting.
Once everyone has exited the vehicle, ensure that everyone gets to a safe location. A safe recommended distance from a car fire is at minimum 150 feet away. When everyone is a safe distance away, 911 should be called.
Utilizing a Fire Extinguisher
If you have a fire extinguisher on hand and you see smoke coming from underneath the hood, without flames, you can crack open the hood and employ the fire extinguisher from a few feet away. It is worth noting that you do not want to completely open the hood, as doing so may allow oxygen to fan any flames.
If the smoke is coming from the rear of the vehicle, you should not deploy the fire extinguisher. It is best to get as far away from the vehicle as possible and dial 911.
Car Vehicle Recalls
Manufacturers often issue recalls on defective parts. Although they account for minimal number of car fires, defective car equipment is responsible for hundreds of deaths and puts drivers at risk. Car manufacturers have recalled over 9.5 million vehicles because of faulty parts or other design issues that could cause a fire since 2012.
A quick online search of the make and model of your vehicle, along with the word recall, should inform you if you need to take your vehicle to a local dealership to replace a defective part.
Delaware County Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Fight for Clients Who Have Been Injured in a Car Fire
If you were injured by a car fire, reach out to the Delaware County car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello. Our experienced legal team can examine the specifics of your case and hold the responsible party accountable for all damages. Learn more at a free consultation by filling out an online registration form or calling (610) 892-4940. Our office is in Media, Pennsylvania. We represent clients in Media, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, West Chester, and throughout Pennsylvania.
