Every year more than a quarter of a million vehicle fires kill hundreds of people, cause more than a thousand injuries and cost nearly a billion dollars in damage.

Highway vehicle fires accounted for 17 percent of all reported fires and 13 percent of all civilian fire deaths in 2004, according to AAA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Caused primarily by mechanical or electrical failure in cars, trucks, motorcycles or other vehicles, such fires claimed 520 lives and caused 1,300 injuries as public fire departments responded to 266,5000 highway-type fires.

Vehicles should be inspected annually; owners should periodically inspect for fuel leaks and be aware of unusual engine sounds or smoke. Smoking while driving can be hazardous.

More fires are caused by failed vehicle components, often due to a lack of maintenance, than collisions, according to AAA President Robert Darblenet. However, fires caused by collisions account for more than half of the annual deaths (57%).

AAA recommends if a fire occurs, stop the car immediately, turn the ignition off, put it in park or engage the emergency brake, get everyone out of the vehicle and at least 100 feet away and then call for help. Do not return to the vehicle, never lift the hood and try to put the fire out.