If your vehicle catches fire while driving, what should you do?

When a vehicle catches fire while driving, the best course of action is to pull over immediately and exit the vehicle. This is crucial because staying in the vehicle poses serious risks. An active fire can spread quickly, and remaining inside can lead to severe injury or even fatality due to smoke inhalation or the possibility of an explosion.

Parking in an open area, while it may seem like a safer option, is not the most effective immediate response. The priority in such a situation is to remove yourself from the vehicle as swiftly as possible to ensure your safety. If you were to park in an open area without first exiting the vehicle, you may be putting yourself at risk by delaying your escape from the fire.

The immediate action of pulling over and exiting the vehicle allows you to gain distance from a potentially dangerous situation and ensures you can seek help if needed without being trapped inside the vehicle. After exiting, it's advisable to move away from the vehicle and call for emergency assistance.