what are those fumes when you crash a car into something? Any dangers? I think I inhaled a little too much of it unintentionally today after the crash.
Most of the fumes are evaporating fluids. Typically, in a really bad crash hot coolant will spill everywhere, including on the exhaust and start evaporating rapidly. Additionally, hot oil can burn off on or near the exhaust, as well as power steering fluid. It's almost always the coolant however, as there's lots of it and the radiator, at the front of the car is very likely to get destroyed.
There's also a small chance that A/C refrigerant was released, but you wouldn't see that. It would make you very sick however, if you inhaled a bunch of it (it can even cause death).
If you've been in a very bad wreck and you are feeling sick, you probably have a concussion and you should consult a doctor right away.
If you're in an event such as this again and the vehicle is immobilized, learn to instinctively;-
* Immediately - SWITCH OFF THE VEHICLE (ignition switch), this action reduces risk of fire by cutting off electrical supply to critical componentry, eg fuel pump etc.
* Activate the vehicles 'hazard warning lights'.
* Exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so, check the rear view miirrors and get well away from approaching traffic.
* Use of a high-performance "hazard warning triangle" can be made, if it is safe to do so. The further back it is placed to the side of the road OR 'side' of an affected traffic lane - the more effective the warning issued to other traffic. Typically 50-150 metres (steps) away. It is law to use in much or EU and is mandatory equipment to carry in a car, van, 4WD/SUV, one per vehicle minimum in that market, and China now. World Standard is "UNECE 27R in transport". (Regulation 27).
It is law now in most of EU that when attending your broken-down vehicle, OR if assisting out at a crash scene - for you to wear a 'high visibility safety vest'. Typically uniform in size, these have a fluroescent orange or green background with wide night reflecting stripes. Very cheap too. UN and World Standard is references as "EN471", do a web search, you'll get the idea.
The warning triangle and safety vest items form part of a new updated "United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Road Signs and Signals", that countries can contract at a later date.
Comments
Most of the fumes are evaporating fluids. Typically, in a really bad crash hot coolant will spill everywhere, including on the exhaust and start evaporating rapidly. Additionally, hot oil can burn off on or near the exhaust, as well as power steering fluid. It's almost always the coolant however, as there's lots of it and the radiator, at the front of the car is very likely to get destroyed.
There's also a small chance that A/C refrigerant was released, but you wouldn't see that. It would make you very sick however, if you inhaled a bunch of it (it can even cause death).
If you've been in a very bad wreck and you are feeling sick, you probably have a concussion and you should consult a doctor right away.
In addition to Matt above -
If you're in an event such as this again and the vehicle is immobilized, learn to instinctively;-
* Immediately - SWITCH OFF THE VEHICLE (ignition switch), this action reduces risk of fire by cutting off electrical supply to critical componentry, eg fuel pump etc.
* Activate the vehicles 'hazard warning lights'.
* Exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so, check the rear view miirrors and get well away from approaching traffic.
* Use of a high-performance "hazard warning triangle" can be made, if it is safe to do so. The further back it is placed to the side of the road OR 'side' of an affected traffic lane - the more effective the warning issued to other traffic. Typically 50-150 metres (steps) away. It is law to use in much or EU and is mandatory equipment to carry in a car, van, 4WD/SUV, one per vehicle minimum in that market, and China now. World Standard is "UNECE 27R in transport". (Regulation 27).
It is law now in most of EU that when attending your broken-down vehicle, OR if assisting out at a crash scene - for you to wear a 'high visibility safety vest'. Typically uniform in size, these have a fluroescent orange or green background with wide night reflecting stripes. Very cheap too. UN and World Standard is references as "EN471", do a web search, you'll get the idea.
The warning triangle and safety vest items form part of a new updated "United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Road Signs and Signals", that countries can contract at a later date.