American institution AutoInsuranceEZ analyzed data on vehicles recalled by the National Transportation Safety Board from 2020. This analysis found that per 1 lakh vehicles sold, the highest number of incidents of arson were reported in hybrid cars. Petrol has been in second place and electric vehicles have been in third place.
Out of every 1 lakh hybrid cars, 3474 vehicles caught fire
According to this study, out of every 1 lakh hybrid cars, 3474 vehicles caught fire, while out of 1 lakh petrol vehicles, 1529 units caught fire. Apart from this, incidents of fire have been reported in only 25 units out of every 1 lakh electric cars.
There can be many reasons for fire in hybrid cars
There can be many reasons for fire in hybrid cars. Generally short circuit or some kind of fault in the wiring of the vehicle is considered responsible. Additionally, older vehicles have been seen catching fire due to wiring and battery faults, which increases the risk of fire in the event of an accident.
Battery fire due to overcharging and high temperature
However, in electric vehicles there is a risk of battery fire due to overcharging and high temperatures. Some such cases have also been seen in India in recent times, in which incidents of fire in electric cars and scooters have been reported.
Some possible causes of car fire:
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The risk of car fire increases when it collides with another vehicle.
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Electrical failure or short circuit.
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Oil or gas leaking.
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Engine overheating in petrol-diesel or CNG cars.
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Poor maintenance of the car.
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Use of smoking material like lighter, cigarette etc. in the car.
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Damage to the vehicle’s battery.
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Tampering with the wiring of the car or the wiring being disturbed.
Central locking…fire and rescue?
In today’s modern cars, the central locking system is both a convenience and a danger in emergency situations. In the latest case also, it can be seen that as soon as the car caught fire, the central locking system got jammed. Actually, due to fire, electronics wiring gets damaged and does not function properly. Therefore the central locking system does not work and the car occupant is unable to come out. In such a situation, always keep a small hammer in your car so that the car window can be broken and the occupant can come out. Apart from this, keep a fire extinguisher in the car which can be useful in any emergency.
What to do in case of fire in a moving car:
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If smoke or fumes are smelled from the car, immediately stop your vehicle on the side of the road.
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Switch off the car engine and get out of the car immediately.
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If the doors are jammed, do not panic and try to come out by breaking the window.
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After coming out, stand away from the car and wait for the fire to go out.
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Do not try to open the bonnet of the car even by mistake, it may cause fire.
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During this time, call the police or fire brigade and inform them.