You CAN Reduce the Threat of Vehicle Fires

All too often the morning radio traffic reports include words such as "...and a car is on fire on the freeway at..." When this happens, it's an inconvenience for hundreds of on the highway and a tragedy for the vehicle owners.

Vehicle fires happen more in summer than the rest of the year because vehicles run hotter. The photo at left, courtesy of the Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, Fire Department, is captioned as a "typical Route 95 motor vehicle fire." Let's make it less typical.

The most recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association and the National Fire Incident Reporting System on vehicle fires in the United States indicate vehicle fires and resulting deaths are decreasing moderately, but injuries and property damage figures are on the rise.

Prevention Is a Must

We can take action to prevent many of these fires. The NFPA and NFIRS provide the following safety tips:

• Have vehicles inspected at least annually by a trained, professional technician.
• Watch for fluid leaks under vehicles, cracked or blistered hoses, or wiring that is loose, has exposed metal or cracked insulation. Have any of these conditions inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
• Be alert to changes in the way your vehicle sounds when running, or to a visible plume of exhaust coming from the tailpipe. A louder than usual tone, smoke coming from the tailpipe or a backfiring exhaust could mean problems or damage to the high-temperature exhaust and emission control system on the vehicle. Have vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible if you suspect exhaust or emission control problems.
• Avoid smoking. If you must smoke, use your vehicle ashtray.
• Drive according to posted speed limits and other vehicle rules. Remain alert to changing road conditions at all times.

It's important to note that while a majority of vehicle first result from collisions or overturns, more than one-third do not. Non-collision and non-overturns a less likely to occur on the open road, and usually originate in the passenger area. Victims of these fires are usually under age 5 or over age 65.

In Case of Fire

1. Stop - Pull to the side of the road and turn off the ignition.
2. Get out - Make sure everyone is out of the vehicle, then move at least 100 feet away.
3. Call for help - Call 911 or the emergency number for the local department.
4. Extinguish - Retrieve and use a extinguisher from the vehicle only if it is safe to do so.

The prevention professionals at Anchor Risk Management are always available to help you and your clients develop effective plans to minimize risk and reduce losses. Contact Bill Propes at 469-892-9819, or email him at bpropes@combinedgroup.com for more information.