Moving car on fire; passengers escape unhurt; couple charred to death in car fire accident: These are current many headlines that gleam across television channels. It was rare for a running vehicle to catch fire and not many were accustomed to the news. However, in a complete turnaround, Kerala is now replete with such disasters. It thus scares that Kerala has seen a quick surge in such fire accidents while masses by large are switching to electric vehicles.

It was under this circumstance that the transport department decided to appoint an expert committee to unearth the recurring vehicle fire accidents happening in Kerala. There has been a steady rise in such accidents as more than 10 cases were reported in the past few months alone. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Minister Antony Raju.

A number of reasons have been cited for a moving vehicle catching fire. Experts say that more than 50% of fires are caused by electrical circuit problems. The abrasion of machines can easily ignite fire, a vehicle if crashed can also invite fire accidents. Petrol/diesel leaks and tire bursting are other major causes that can lead to fire accidents. On another note, many vehicles indulge in modification works from private workshops, not informing the parent company about the changes made. The additional fittings made to look ritzy can make your vehicle catch fire easily.

If the driver is alerted about the car fire, the first thing he should do is park the vehicle, turn off the ignition switch and get out of the car. The Motor Vehicles Department should conduct awareness for this in all districts. Drivers should have an understanding of what to do in such situations. Not just escaping the car, passengers must also run away from the burning vehicle. It is also important to inform arriving vehicles and others that the car is on fire.

Make sure not to open the car bonnet at the time of the fire. Because a fire in the engine bay or under the car can extend when the bonnet is opened. Instead of trying to put out the fire yourself, call the fire department immediately.

The state heard in shock the incident in which a pregnant woman and her husband were burnt to death by car arson in Kannur. Not just that, many such cases are recurring such that the government had to intrude into the case.

It is also welcome that the Minister has directed the Motor Vehicles Department to take strict action against workshop owners who do illegal modifications to vehicles at the behest of owners.