Smoke begins seeping from the edges of your bonnet while you are driving. What is the safest sequence of actions?

Why C is correct

The sequence matters more than the speed of it. Getting every occupant out of the vehicle and well away comes first, because an engine bay fire can reach the cabin within minutes and the smoke itself is toxic. The instinct to open the bonnet is the single thing every fire service warns against: lifting it feeds a smouldering fire with oxygen, and the flare-up travels toward whoever is leaning over the latch. Shutting off the engine removes both the fuel pump and an ignition source. Then call emergency services, and do not go back for belongings.

Why the other options are wrong

A. Open the bonnet at once to find the source, then call emergency services

Opening the bonnet supplies precisely what the fire lacks. Smouldering engine fires flare violently when fresh air reaches them, and they flare toward the person standing at the latch.

B. Pour water over the bonnet from whatever container is in the car

Water on an engine fire is close to useless and can carry burning liquid across the bay. These fires involve fuel and electrics, and the response is evacuation plus professional extinguishers.

D. Keep driving to the nearest service station, since the airflow will put it out

Driving on spreads fire along the underside of the car and into the cabin while adding airflow that feeds it. Reaching a service station achieves nothing a fire crew cannot do better.

On the road

One driver sees smoke, pulls onto the shoulder and lifts the bonnet; the rush of air turns smoke into flame in his face. Another does everything identical except the last step, and watches a crew handle it from a safe distance.

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