What should you do if your vehicle catches fire while driving?
2 Answers
If your vehicle catches fire while driving, here are the correct steps to take: 1. If you notice flames or black smoke coming from the front of the vehicle while driving, immediately pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine. Cutting the power supply quickly disconnects the fuel pump, reducing gasoline combustion. 2. After turning off the power, quickly exit the burning vehicle. 3. If you have a car fire extinguisher with you, use it immediately to assess the fire situation. If the fire is under the hood, do not open it abruptly. Instead, slightly lift the hood to allow a small amount of oxygen in, wait a moment, and then slowly open it fully to use the extinguisher. Opening the hood suddenly can cause a rush of oxygen, making the flames flare up and potentially causing burns. 4. When using the fire extinguisher, aim at the fuel tank and the burning areas to cool and extinguish the fire, preventing an explosion. At the same time, call 119 for emergency assistance.
Encountering a car fire while driving can be quite frightening. I always emphasize staying calm first and not panicking. Immediately find a safe place to pull over, such as an open area on the right side of the road, to avoid blocking traffic. Then turn off the engine and have all passengers exit the vehicle quickly, leaving behind bags and valuables—safety comes first. Everyone should evacuate to at least 100 meters away to ensure distance from the vehicle in case of an explosion. Next, use your phone to call emergency services at 110 or 119, briefly stating your location and the situation to request fire brigade assistance. Remember, never attempt to extinguish the fire yourself with a fire extinguisher unless you're professionally trained, as untrained individuals may easily get injured. Regularly inspect your vehicle's electrical circuits and tire temperatures to prevent spontaneous combustion.
