Owing to the latest incidents of vehicle fires on the city’s roads, the City Times requested DEMS to shed some light on car fire safety and to provide advice on what you should do and what you should not do if your car catches fire.
This article looks into some of the scenarios of fire hazards in a car, provides you with precautionary measures to avoid a fire in your car and also important tips on how to handle the situation if your car catches fire.
This includes safety suggestions to follow, particularly to get out of danger when a car catches fire or starts smoking while you are driving.
What to do if your car catches fire
• Personal safety is the priority followed by that of the vehicle. Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so, be sure to use your indicator as you make your way to a safe location off the road, such as the emergency lane or any open safe area not too close to traffic flow.
• Once you have stopped, turn off the engine. Also make efforts to assist other passengers, such as unlocking the doors for them to get out of the burning vehicle and move away from the hazard. Although not always advisable, you can retrieve personal belongings from the car if it’s still safe to do so, but never return to a burning car for anything.
• Immediately contact the fire department, police and ambulance services, if required. Firefighters will be able to quickly bring the fire under control, while the police will help direct and alert approaching traffic about the danger ahead.
Precautionary measures to mitigate car fires
• Have your vehicles inspected at least annually by a trained, professional technician.
• Check for any malfunctioning parts and hanging electrical wirings. Do not leave them hanging.
• Include a check of the fuel system in your regular maintenance schedule, as faulty fuel and electrical systems are identified as the major contributing factors of car fires.
• Watch out for fluid leaks under vehicles, cracked or blistered hoses or loose wiring, exposed metal or cracked insulation and give attention to these.
• Have vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible if exhaust or emission controls give problems.
Known factors contributing to car fires
• Mechanical failure
• Electrical failure
• Fluid leaks
• Very high engine temperature
• Lit cigarette butts left unattended or thrown out of the window subjecting others to a potential hazard in their car
Warning signs that your car may catch fire
• Smoke or even flame emission from the engine compartment, dashboard or anywhere around the vehicle where smoke is not expected.
• A burning smell of rubber or plastic.
Emergency numbers
10177: National toll-free number.
112: National toll-free number from a cellphone.
011 458 0911: Life-threatening emergencies (Ekurhuleni emergency line).
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