In 2002-2005, highway-type vehicle fires accounted for 18% of reported fires and 13% of U.S. civilian deaths.
Older teens and young adults are age groups at highest risk of highway vehicle fire death.
On average, 33 highway vehicle fires were reported per hour. These fires killed one person a day.
Three-quarters of highway vehicle fires resulted from mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions. Collisions or overturns caused only 3% of these fires but 57% of the associated deaths.
One-third of non-fatal highway vehicle fire injuries occurred when civilians attempted to fight the fire themelves.
