What Causes Car Explosions?
In the movies, cars often crash off cliffs and bridges and explode into a fiery ball. It looks great on TV, but is this reality?
It’s actually not likely for cars to explode like that. Yes, they can catch fire and that is the more likely situation. While it is technically possible for a car to explode, explosions are exceedingly rare.
There are really only two situations in which your car might explode:
- You are carrying something like a propane tank or something else that is explosive and is triggered by an outside force.
- Your car has been rigged with an explosive device like a bomb or a land mine (this is an unlikely situation unless you’re acting out a scene from a movie).
There is concern that the lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles can explode. This has been known to happen in specific circumstances, but this is not common. Lithium-ion batteries are used in almost all portable electric devices. People use these batteries almost every day and are in no danger of an explosion. However, lithium-ion batteries could explode if they are defective or exposed to extreme heat.
It is also important to be careful at gas stations. Gas stations often have signs posted telling you to avoid:
- Leaving your vehicle running while pumping gas.
- Smoking cigarettes while pumping gas.
- Getting in or out of your car while pumping gas.
Why are these activities dangerous? Gasoline turns into vapor very easily, and a single spark is all it takes to cause an explosion.
However, the fact remains that your vehicle is much more likely to catch fire. In 2018, there were 212,500 vehicle fires. This may seem like a lot, but the good news is that this number has gone down over time. In 1980, there were approximately 456,000 vehicle fires.
How Do Car Fires Occur?
Cars are most likely to catch on fire due to a mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction. Cars can also catch fire during a collision or rollover. Accidental vehicle fires are more common in large trucks and buses.
Some warning signs that your car is going to catch fire include:
- Sparks
- Leaking oil, fuel, or other flammable liquids
- Smoke from the engine
- Rapid changes in fuel or fluid levels
- Overheating exhaust/engine temperature
- A loose or blown fuse
- Dysfunctional electrical system
If you notice any of these signs, you need to act quickly to avoid becoming trapped in your vehicle in a fire. You should immediately pull over, turn off your vehicle, get out of the car, and call 911.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Car explosions can happen, but they’re not usually the dramatic events you see on TV. While car fires can occur in various situations, explosions are more rare.
No matter how your crash was caused, you need someone on your side to guide you through the process of recovering compensation. See how a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC will prioritize your legal rights and well-being. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling (281) 347-3247 or filling out the online form.
Source:
policygenius.com/auto-insurance/can-cars-explode/
