A well-maintained car is super important for a driver. It’s important to keep up with all the regular checks. And to choose the right fuel for your car. A good fuel will extend your engine’s life. Any driver knows the importance of this.
Different options, such as gasoline or diesel, help us get from point A to point B. Many don’t even understand the role that fuel has for our vehicles. But, without it, our transport would look completely different.
However, a certain problem that comes with fuel are common fuel leaks. You’ve probably seen these near gas stations or even on the roads. And you probably think nothing of it. But those leaks actually present a big hazard. They sometimes happen when people don’t fuel properly. Or, because the motor vehicle has a tank problem that causes the leak.
Whether it’s human error or a mechanical problem, fuel leaks should be avoided. They can cause accidents and not just for drivers but for pedestrians as well.
We’ll discuss this in detail in the next lines. Keep reading to find out how to prevent fuel leaks and minimize the risks they bring.
In This Article:
Liquid fuel systems
Cars, trucks and other vehicles need fuel systems to get gasoline or diesel to move from tank to the engine. The system includes many different parts. For instance, a pump, fuel lines and also many filters. They basically seal the fuel in but that doesn’t mean they’re not prone to failures.
The common cause of leaks is old age. All the small rubber parts can get overused and wear off with time. It’s usually due to heat and high temperatures. The metal parts can rust, especially if the vehicle is older. Sometimes mistakes happen during repairs or upgrades. This can cause gaps where fuel can leak from the tank.
Also, some people overfill their fuel tanks. This is also not good for the tank as the fuel can expand and spill. The problem with these leaks is that they can be hard to notice. And that’s when hazards happen.
Which road hazards happen
Fuel leaks on the road put drivers in danger. They make the road very slippery and cause car accidents. It’s easy to lose control. It’s like driving on ice.
It’s a good idea to contact a car accident lawyer when this happens. If you cause an accident due to a fuel leak on the road, it’s not completely your fault. There’s some room for negotiations and a lawyer can help with that.
Another risk is fire. Fuel is flammable and it can explode in a fast car crash. Especially in a closed space like a tunnel.
Fuel can also cause fog when the weather is warm. It makes it difficult for drivers to see the road. At night, these spills are even more difficult to see. Without any warning, the drivers won’t notice the problem before it’s too late.
And if one car loses control because of the leak the other cars behind it might do the same. This can cause a whole chain of accidents.
Real-world data
Believe it or not, but so many accidents happened because of fuel leaks. In 2015, a fuel tanker crashed and the fuel caught on fire. The damage was huge. The highway had to be closed for days. In another situation, a car crash caused a fuel leak and it ended up injuring several people when the fire started.
More than 5000 vehicles catch fire per year because of these leaks in the US. In Europe, diesel spills are so common and they make roads more dangerous for motorcycles and bikes also.
Environmental concerns
Fuel leaks don’t just cause crashes. They cause environmental problems. They harm the planet as well. If fuel leaks get into water or soil, it harms the plants and animals. Fish and other water creatures are namely at risk and fuel poisons their habitats.
People are also at risk. It’s not that healthy to breathe in the fuel vapors. It can cause headaches and even cancer with long-term exposure. People who clean up these leaks are at risk the most. Fuel can also weaken the road surface and lead to more potholes. That costs money and increases the costs local governments have.
Prevention measures
Fuel leaks can be prevented. Drivers need to check vehicles regularly. If you see any fuel leaks under your car, that’s a sign. Also, if you don’t know how to pump fuel alone, always ask for help on the gas station. Gas stations are where leaks happen most often. They should also have staff ready to clean up these spills.
Road maintenance also needs to be regular. They need to clean up spills as soon as they notice them. Drivers also need to report spills when they see them.
Final words: Fuel leaks as a road hazard
As you see, fuel leaks are really common. And they also cause many hazards on the road. They make driving a risk and can cause car accidents. They are also dangerous for pedestrians as they can slip and fall.
You need to make sure your car is working well. That means there are no leaks. Also, drivers should report any spills they notice. That’s the best way to reduce the number of spills.
You need to drive carefully and focus on the road always. If you see any spills or other hazards, it’s important to report them and have authorities deal with them.
