Fatal Car Accident Causes Fire Near Boise

A fatal car accident causes fire near Boise, Idaho on Friday afternoon. Three victims reported injuries and one person was killed. The crash happened near Firebird Raceway on Highway 16 around milepost 104. A car traveling northbound crossed into the southbound lane and hit a car head-on. Both vehicles spun off the road. The passenger in the first car died at the scene. Three passengers in the car that was hit were flown to St. Alphonsus hospital in Boise with injuries. It is unclear whether the person who died was wearing a seatbelt. However, the other five people involved did have seatbelts on. Following the collision, the car that was hit caught on fire which caused a grass fire in the area. Investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. The highway was closed for several hours while authorities put the fire out.

Car Accidents Causing Fires Statistics

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 33 car fires are reported every hour in the U.S. 18 percent of all reported fires occur on a road or a highway and involve a motor vehicle. The New York Daily News published a few safety tips that can help you prevent car fires and stay safe after they start, most of which are common sense. If you smell burning plastic or rubber, for example, pull over and investigate. Furthermore, look out for fuses that repeatedly blow, that could signal and overloaded wire and be a potential source of car fire. Also, parking over dry grass on a very hot day can lead to ignition.

Once your car has caught fire signal and immediately move into the right shoulder or right lane. Some people believe incorrectly that driving faster will put the fire out, but this is completely ridiculous. You should focus on getting yourself safely out of the vehicle and 150 feet or more away from it, then calling 911 to notify the fire department. Also, do not try and put the fire out, as the hood will be extremely hot and chemicals released during burning can be toxic to breathe.

If you have been in a car accident, call the attorneys at Parke Gordon to handle your case. We can take the stress away by handling the big insurance companies. Get the compensation you deserve. Contact personal injury attorney, Mat Parke today.