When it comes to the interior design of your vehicle, safety should always trump beauty. No matter what you drive, or how you drive for that matter, you should always make sure there is a fire extinguisher within easy reach.
More People are Dying in Vehicle Fires
In the US in 2015, there were 174,000 vehicle fires on highways, leading to 445 deaths and 1,550 injuries, according to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). What is most alarming about those figures is that they are higher than those of previous years. For instance, the injury count in 2015 was the highest since 2002, and the number of deaths due to vehicle fire in 2015 was the highest since 2006.
If more people installed fire extinguishers in their cars, the number of fatalities, as well as injuries, could be reduced.
However, you should place your fire extinguisher within easy reach.
The Best Places to Put Your Fire Extinguisher in Your Vehicle
Many people place their fire extinguishers in the boots of their cars. Not only does this render the fire extinguisher useless in the event of an accident, but it also means you have no way of reaching it should you become trapped in your car.
Keep your fire extinguisher somewhere you and your passengers can reach it. Consider placing it:
- Under the passenger seat
- Between the passenger and driver seats
- On the floor between the back seats
Bear in mind that for safety's sake, you should secure the extinguisher with a sturdy bracket to stop it from becoming a missile during collisions. You could also keep your fire extinguisher in your glove box, temporarily, at least until you get around to securing it with brackets. The aim is to ensure that it is within easy reach should a fire occur while you are driving.
Choose the Right Type of Fire Extinghuisher
The most suitable type of extinguisher for a car is a dry powder extinguisher. Dry powder extinguishers can put out fires caused by wood, fabrics, paper, petrol, grease, and flammable gases and so are appropriate for dealing with vehicle fires.
However, ensure you install these horizontally as the powder becomes compacted over time. Once a month, at least, shake your extinguisher to loosen the powder. Storing your extinguisher horizontally will make it easier to dislodge compacted powder.
Whether you drive for sport or for convenience, consider investing in at least one fire extinguisher. If it doesn't save your life, it could easily save the life of someone else should you happen to come across the scene of an accident.
