VEHICLE SAFETY

A motor vehicle contains many types of flammable fuel, including flammable liquids like gasoline and oil, solid combustibles, the car's upholstery and detonators in safety devices (e.g. airbags). Cars also house multiple potential sources of ignition, such as electrical short circuits or fuel leakages onto hot exhaust systems.

Car batteries pose a fairly unique hazard in themselves: hydrogen gas evolved in the electrolysis reaction ignites readily in fire conditions and can result in an explosive dispersion of battery acid.

Other hazards are the devices in airbags which can explode and bumpers with specially designed 'crush zones' can release sulfuric acid when heated.

In most cases the bulk of the fire is (at least initially) contained in the engine compartment of the vehicle and the passenger compartment is protected from engine compartment fire by a device called a 'firewall'. This gives passengers valuable time to get out of the vehicle when a car's engine is on fire.

What to do when your car catches fire:

1. STOP

Pull to the side of the road in such a way that everyone in the vehicle can get out safely.
Turn off the ignition. This shuts off the electrical current and stops the flow of gasoline.
Put the vehicle in 'park' or set the emergency brake to prevent the vehicle from moving after you leave it.

2. GET OUT

Make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle safely.
Move away from the vehicle.
DO NOT open the bonnet if the fire is in the engine compartment. The extra oxygen will fuel the fire.

3. CALL 000

Call for help or ensure someone else does.
If it is safe and you are confident, you can:
- Turn the main supply valve of the LPG off if the car is LPG powered.
- Use your fire extinguisher with extreme caution - if the fire is under the bonnet, DO NOT open the bonnet completely, simply release the catch and discharge the extinguisher through the gap. Use an extinguisher with a hose for easy reach.
- Discharge the extinguisher into the cabin directly on the fire (if the fire is in the cabin) and close the door.

Avoid breathing smoke at all costs. Smoke from burning plastic is very toxic.

Once the fire has been extinguished, do not drive the car until checked by an auto electrician or qualified mechanic.