අද වන විට, මෝටර් වාහන ක්ෂේත්රය දැවැන්ත පරිවර්තනයකට මුහුණදෙමින් සිටියි. නව තාක්ෂණය උපයෝගි කරගනිමින් වර්තමානයේ විදුලි වාහන හා ස්වයංක්රීය රියැදීමේ තාක්ෂණය ආදිය මගින් මෙම ක්ෂේත්රය නව මඟකට පරිවර්ථනය වෙමින් පවතී. තත්ත්වය එසේ වුවද, වර්තමානයේ යම් යම් හේතුන් නිසා මහා මාර්ගවල සිදුවන වා…
Today, the automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation. With the use of new technologies, this sector is being transformed into a new direction with the advent of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology. However, due to certain reasons, the number of vehicle fires on the roads is increasing day by day. What is a motor vehicle fire? A motor vehicle fire is a fire that occurs while the engine of a vehicle is running or when the engine is stopped. The possibility of such a fire occurring is very small and motor vehicle fires can occur due to various industrial and other factors. A motor vehicle fire is a very dangerous event, which can cause severe property damage, personal injury and even death. The risk of fire in modern vehicles has been greatly reduced due to the latest developments in safety laws and regulations, high-tech vehicle designs and the use of fire-resistant materials. Despite these advances, the number of motor vehicle fires is still increasing. Car fires can be caused by a variety of factors, from mechanical faults to human error. Types of car fires Mechanical Failures – Fires that occur due to malfunctions in the vehicle’s engine, fuel system, or exhaust system, causing them to overheat or spark between them, or when flammable materials in the vicinity catch fire. For example, a faulty radiator or blocked cooling system can cause the engine to overheat. Electrical Malfunctions – Fires that occur due to faults in electrical components (alternator, battery, or sparking) or electrical faults can cause nearby flammable materials, such as the outer covering of electrical wires or surrounding plastic, to catch fire. As modern cars rely heavily on electronic components, there has been an increase in car fires due to electrical faults. Engine Overheating – Damage to the engine or brake system due to lack of proper maintenance causes them to overheat. When this is overheated, fluid leaks or evaporates, which can cause fires. Fuel Leaks – Fuel leaks from cracked fuel lines or damaged fuel tanks. This leaked fuel can fall on hot surfaces, causing fires. Vehicle Accidents – Vehicle accidents and collisions can damage the fuel system, engine, or electrical system of the vehicle. This damage can lead to fires. ★ Lack of proper maintenance and after-sales modifications – Fires can occur due to not maintaining the vehicle at the proper times, not replacing damaged parts, installing inferior parts, or subjecting it to various modifications. Arson by humans, either for the purpose of obtaining insurance or for the purpose of concealing other crimes. The battery system of electrically charged electric vehicles is subject to fire due to improper use of batteries, defects in the battery, and improper charging methods. We have seen how motor vehicle fires have occurred on the highways every day for the above reasons. Measures that can be taken to minimize fires in motor vehicles ★ Regular vehicle inspection and maintenance – Before driving the vehicle, the vehicle's battery, electrical wiring, fuel line, brake fluid, coolant, etc. should be checked and if there are any defects, they should be repaired and driven. ★ Care when refueling the vehicle, proper fuel handling and storage – If there is a smell of fuel, the vehicle should be inspected and repaired immediately by a professional mechanic. Only the approved type of fuel should be used and the fuel tank should not be filled to the capacity. If it does spill, wipe it up as soon as possible. Also, do not smoke when refueling, and keep the gas cap tightly closed to prevent fuel evaporation and ignition. ★ Monitor the vehicle's temperature gauge - If the vehicle overheats, it is indicated by the temperature gauge, so be aware of it and stop the vehicle immediately to investigate the cause of the overheating, which helps prevent fires. Similarly, ensuring that fans and belts are working properly, and regularly checking the radiator and coolant can prevent the vehicle from overheating. ★ When installing new electrical components, such as camera systems and televisions, they should be installed by a professional with standard fuses and damaged fuses should be replaced. ★ Carrying a fire extinguisher in the vehicle for use in emergencies can minimize fire damage. ★ Be aware of the warning signs in your car, be aware of the smell of burning plastic or rubber or fuel, be aware of smoke coming from the vehicle, and be aware of sudden increases in the temperature of the vehicle. ★ Do not store or transport flammable materials in the car. ★ Drive carefully and responsibly, avoiding excessive speed that puts unnecessary stress on the vehicle's components, avoiding accidents that may damage the fuel lines, electrical system, or engine. ★ Use batteries of the specified standard for electric vehicles, charge them properly, use approved chargers, and follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance. Know what to do in the event of a fire If you see smoke or flames in your vehicle, pull to a safe location, turn off the engine, stop the vehicle, and exit safely. Only attempt to extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so, or call emergency services for help. By taking these steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of a car fire and ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. It is the duty of every citizen to act responsibly to stay safe and protect your vehicle and loved ones from car fire accidents. L.A.W.K. Dahanayake Senior Assistant Analyst Explosives and Fire Investigation Division Government Analyst's Department.