The idea of car wrecks is a significant fear for many people. Not only can they cause physical harm, but car accidents can also cause financial duress. However, collisions can also be dangerous due to the increased risk of car fires. While this doesn’t typically happen, a car can catch fire or even explode after being involved in a wreck.
Car fires are more common than you think after wrecks
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, car wrecks play a part in about 5% of all car fires that happen on the highway. However, they are much more dangerous than some might think, as they account for about 60% of fatalities from car fires. Specifically, there were about 171,500 car fires on the highway between 2014 and 2016.
Naturally, there are several reasons car accidents can cause vehicle fires.
Overheating can cause fires after car wrecks
Overheating is one of the leading causes of car fires after wrecks. This is because multiple vehicle components can become too hot to be safe. It could be the engine, the exhaust, or various other mechanical aspects of a car. In particular, flammable materials can come in contact with said parts, and nothing good happens after that.
Electrical issues can cause car fires
Car fires after wrecks can also happen due to electrical problems. This often occurs due to short-circuiting, as car accidents can damage electrical cables. Additionally, the risk of a car fire can increase due to previously faulty components, such as the battery. Bad wiring in a vehicle is also a reason for an electrical fire.
Fluid leaking
Car wrecks can also cause fires as a result of leaking fluid. Typically, the leaks will happen because certain reservoirs, fluid lines, or caps can become damaged due to the impact. The issue is that many of the fluids in a vehicle are flammable or combustible. Them coming into contact with hot components of the car can and probably will cause a fire. This is especially true if the car overheats after the wreck.
Miscellaneous reasons
There are other reasons why car wrecks can cause a vehicle to burst into flames. One common one concerns defects that have always existed with the car. For example, there are some defects where metal shavings can get into the engine. In fact, this has been the cause of a few recent recalls, as it can trigger a fire. This could also be due to leaky oil pans or corroded engine blocks.
This can also happen if people carry items within the car that can easily catch fire. For example, a person carrying gas in a container or fireworks will have an increased risk of a car fire.
Officials often suggest that drivers and passengers stay in the vehicle and call for help after a car accident. This is because of the dangers associated with oncoming traffic. However, if there are signs of a fire, it is best to get everyone safely out of the vehicle while simultaneously monitoring traffic.
