If your vehicle catches fire, what should you do first?

When your vehicle catches fire, the first step should be to pull over and turn off the ignition. Doing this helps prevent the fire from escalating and removes the possibility of fuel being fed to the fire from the engine. By turning off the ignition, you eliminate electrical power, which can reduce the risk of sparks that could further ignite the flames.

Exiting the vehicle immediately is important, but it should not be the first step without ensuring the vehicle is securely stopped and the engine is off to avoid potential hazards. Driving faster to find help is unsafe and can worsen the situation since the fire may spread, putting the driver and others at risk. Attempting to extinguish the fire yourself can be very dangerous unless you are trained and have proper equipment, as it's often better to leave the area and let professionals handle it.