The automotive financing company First Vehicle Leasing has urged all motorists to learn exactly what to do to stay safe if their car catches fire.
Whilst few drivers think it will ever occur to them, fireservice.co.uk notes that there are typically around 100,000 car fires each year, around 300 every day.
Dominic Watt from First Vehicle Leasing suggested that knowing how a driver should act in the event of a vehicle fire is key to keeping themselves and other road users safe.
He recommended: “A vehicle fire is a serious emergency that demands quick and composed reactions. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your safety and that of your passengers while also navigating the legal and financial aftermath with greater ease.
“Remember, regular vehicle maintenance is key to preventing such incidents. Stay safe on the roads, and always be prepared for the unexpected.”
First, the company highlighted that motorists who suspect that their vehicle has caught fire need to stay calm to prevent causing further incidents.
If they notice any smoke, unusual smells or warning lights appear, they should pull over when it is safe to do so, keeping away from moving traffic and stopping on flat ground.
Then, the driver should quickly turn off the engine, preventing fuel from flowing and potentially causing the fire to spread at a much faster rate.
Once the car is parked and switched off, the driver and any other occupants should get out as soon as possible and keep a distance from the vehicle.
Under no circumstances should anyone open the bonnet, with any additional oxygen only helping to fuel the fire and causing it to spread further.
Once everyone is out of the vehicle, the driver should call the emergency services and give as precise a location as possible so that the fire brigade knows where to dispatch assistance.
Finally, First Vehicle Leasing warned that drivers should never be tempted to extinguish a vehicle fire themselves, no matter how small it seems.
Due to the amount of flammable liquid inside a car, such as oil, petrol or diesel, it is very easy for the fire to spread throughout the car.
This can not only cause extreme heat and fumes, both of which can quickly have a significant impact on anyone trying to put out the flame, but the vehicle could also explode in extreme cases.
