As the number of fatal accidents continues to rise, the AA has called on motorists to take action to prevent car fires.

According to the Interior Ministry, 135 road users died in vehicle fires between 2018 and 2023, 35 of them in the last 12 months alone.

AA spokesman Tony Rich said most car fires were deliberate and many may be caused by electronic devices.

He explained: “A lower percentage of deliberate fires is an important indicator, perhaps due to improved safety systems now installed in older cars.”

“The fact that fewer people smoke could be a factor. But a less obvious factor is the impact of modern, much simpler and safer plug-in technologies for retrofitting electrical devices in cars, such as entertainment electronics, dashcams, mobile phones and satellite navigation systems.”

In recent years, more and more drivers have installed dashcams in their vehicles. Many praise these devices because they can show exactly who is at fault in the event of an accident.

However, many drivers connect them to their vehicle’s electrical system, risking a short circuit that can cause a fire.

Alternatively, damage to the 12V socket or cigarette lighter, which are present in many vehicles, or the use of cheap or untested electronics can also lead to a vehicle fire.

To prevent a vehicle from catching fire, drivers should regularly check that all fluid levels are correct. Although it may seem trivial, topping up oil, coolant and brake fluid can prevent all sorts of problems.

However, in addition to the fluid, drivers should also be careful that rubber parts do not become brittle, as this is a less obvious factor that can cause a fire.

To do this, make sure that the seals are watertight and that the rubber insulation around electrical wires is not cracked, as this can cause short circuits with adjacent metal components.

However, if the driver finds himself in a burning vehicle, he should remain as calm as possible, switch on the hazard lights and stop as soon as it is safe to do so.

To prevent the vehicle from rolling away, many car experts recommend turning the wheels fully and turning off the engine before leaving the vehicle.

Once the driver and all other passengers are outside the vehicle in a safe area, such as behind a barrier, the driver should dial 999 and request the fire service, stating whether the vehicle could pose a danger to others.