External Combustion

What a sinking feeling to travel on the freeway and spot smoke spewing out from under your vehicle’s hood. Only one thing could be worse: watching that smoke turn into flames.

Vehicle fires are going down, thanks to improved designs and technology. Even so, the National Fire Protection Assn. reports nearly 400,000 vehicle fires in the U.S. each year. In the last 12-month reporting period, they resulted in 575 deaths, 2,225 injuries and $1.3 million in damage.

Moreover, car fires will often cause freeway backups, as curious drivers slow down to get a look.

“Vehicle fires are a significant part of our nation’s fire problem,” the association states in a new report. They amount to 21% of all fires reported in the U.S., plus nearly 10% of all fire injuries.

Would most of us panic, especially if flames shoot out before we can even stop the car?

Fire experts say you can take precautions to help improve your chances of safety in a vehicle fire. All agree on the most important one:

“Get out!” said Julie Reynolds, spokeswoman for the Fire Protection Assn. “Act quickly. Get out as fast as you can do so safely.”

Yes, some people panic to the point that they freeze in their seats. That can be fatal. While few car fires lead to explosions the way you see on TV, it’s not impossible.

Explosion Risk Can Mean Missiles

“It’s a common misconception that the gas tank will automatically explode when your car is on fire,” said Tim Sendelbach, a fire department training officer for the National Safety Council. But not only can that happen, cars can be engulfed in flames for other reasons, because tires, shock absorbers and bumpers can be hurled from the car if there’s an explosion.

You need to get a good distance away from your vehicle, and stand at a diagonal from it in case bumpers are blown off, the National Safety Council recommends. California Highway Patrol spokeswoman Denise Medina recommends that on the freeway, you stand on the other side of the guardrail.

But also important, the experts say, is standing away from the direction the wind is blowing.

Because it’s not just the flames you have to worry about. Some plastics and synthetic materials in cars produce toxic gases. Others even contain cyanide. Be careful not to make the mistake of standing in toxic fluids dripping from the vehicle, said Sendelbach of the National Safety Council.

Here is Medina’s recommendation:

“Pull over to the right shoulder immediately, but as safely as you can. If it’s possible, try to get as close as you can to a call box.”

Freeway call boxes are just a quarter of a mile apart. But on foot, that can amount to minutes you can’t spare before a fire totals your vehicle. Whether you dial from a call box or cell phone, don’t worry about making more than one call. The CHP dispatcher will take care of notifying the fire department.

Now here’s a warning that may seem simple common sense, but it’s one that some people don’t heed: Never go back to your car to try to retrieve personal items you want to save from being destroyed.

“You’ve only got one life,” Medina said. “There is nothing is your vehicle worth risking it. Anything you lose can be replaced.”

Poor Maintenance Is the Main Cause

The best advice for safety, of course, is to prevent fires from happening in the first place. The National Fire Protection Assn. has some interesting statistics in that regard:

While most fatalities in vehicle fires come from collisions or rollovers, those actually start just a small percentage of vehicle fires. More than two-thirds start as the result of poor vehicle maintenance.

Faulty fuel pumps and other parts not kept in good condition are examples of the risk. Especially dangerous is an oil leak stemming from poor maintenance.

“Engine temperatures can reach 1,200 degrees, which is definitely hot enough to ignite oil,” said Darwin Rittenhouse, a vehicle service expert for the National Safety Council.

Don’t let your oil go more than 5,000 miles without changing it. And watch out for spilling oil during maintenance. Though using a funnel is simple common sense when pouring oil, some motorists are too lazy to bother with one.

Poor maintenance can lead to fires you’d never expect. The National Safety Council reports that an Illinois woman’s vehicle had rotting floorboards. That allowed the carpet padding to come in contact with the exhaust pipe. Her car caught fire right under her feet while she was driving.

If you’ve run out of gas and can get only a small amount in a can, some people put a few drops in the carburetor to help quick-start the vehicle. That’s a huge mistake, the experts all say. You’re risking a fire.

By the way, smokers beware: The National Fire Protection Assn. report serves up the warning that some vehicle fires result from smoking, from ashes, a match not out or a dropped cigarette. Some fires have been caused by smokers with their windows down who don’t realize the wind is blowing hot ashes back into their vehicle.

“Smoking in a car is just like smoking in an easy chair at home,” said Steve Major, automotive engineer and research director for the Automobile Club of Southern California. “If you let ashes drop, you risk the danger of fire.”

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Smoking Engine

See smoke or fire coming from your car? Here’s what to do to avoid injuries:

* Pull over and shut off the engine. Some nervous drivers forget to do that.

* Do not lift the hood of your vehicle. Steve Major, automotive engineer and research director for the Automobile Club of Southern California, points out that not only can unseen flames shoot out at you, there’s danger even if the smoke has not turned to fire. “We see a lot of engineers from exploding steam,” Major said. “When the hood opens, either the radiator or a radiator hose can shoot a hot blast of stream right into your face.”

* If you do have the hood up and smoke turns to fire, do NOT try to close the lid. It doesn’t help reduce the fire, and it makes it difficult for firefighters to douse the flames. It can also push flames through the vents and into the passenger compartment.

* Do not attempt to put out most fires yourself. But use common sense. If it’s a small flame and you carry a fire extinguisher, you might consider using it. But if you have no fire extinguisher, don’t even consider any other means. For most fires, just move away and leave it to the firefighters.

* Be sure that all passengers are out of the car, and also well away from the vehicle. Children won’t always know what to do or where to go.

Freeway safety tips

Motorists who are faced with car fires or other mechanical problems need to be careful to avoid accidents or injuries. Here are some tips on safely getting your car out of harm’s way while on the freeway:

* At the first sign of a vehicle problem, exit the freeway.

* If that is not possible, try to reach the right shoulder. If you cannot reach the right shoulder, park as close to the center divider as possible.

* If your car has a flat tire, it’s better to drive off the freeway than try to salvage the tire. Avoid making any repairs on the freeway. If you must do so, have a passenger watch traffic for you. Never turn your back on traffic.

* If stopped in the center divider, remain in your car until help arrives. Keep your seat belt fastened and your doors locked.

* Turn on your hazard warning lights.

* If your vehicle is stopped in a particularly dangerous spot and you can do so safely, get out of your vehicle to wait for help. Always try to put a barrier between you and traffic.

* If you leave your vehicle, take your keys and set your parking brake. Leave your warning lights on and tie a handkerchief or cloth to your antenna. Always exit the vehicle on the side away from traffic.

* Use freeway call boxes only if you can reach them safely without crossing traffic lanes.

Sources: National Safety Council, the National Fire Protection Assn.; The Automobile Club of Southern California