Safety First

God forbid that you will ever need to heed the advice in this article, but maybe it will come in useful one day. Accidents do happen and if you aren't personally involved so much the better, but you may be able to give some assistance.

Your 'emergency kit' in the car should consist of a First Aid Kit, preferably one that is not too old. Many first aid boxes have a use-by date, and an out of date box is viewed by the German police, as not having one. A day-glow bib is really necessary and a warning triangle is obligatory in many countries. This should be placed 50 meters behind the car, facing the oncoming traffic, at the scene of an accident I break down.

Have you got a fire extinguisher? The horror scenes often seen in films where the car explodes into flames on impact doesn't normally happen, but if there is a fire the first 20 seconds are vital.

The vehicles extinguisher should contain at least 1 kg of powder and be located at the front of the car so it is easily accessible.

If you are a third party" to a fire, remember the door handles will be very hot (use gloves or cloth to open them) If this isn't possible, smash the window with the metal body of the extinguisher and remember window glass is tougher than you think, so more than one attempt could be needed. Keep your distance and if possible use the car door as a shield.

Attack the fire from the front aiming at, the base of the fire. If there are passengers do not worry, the powder from the extinguisher will be far less toxic than the fumes from the fire, All modern VW's and Audi's are equipment with a system that switches off the fuel pump as soon as the airbag inflates.

What else do you need in case of an accident? A good torch, with a blinking warning light, and another torch, which you can use when, and if you need to see what has happened.

I got the inspiration for this article from the German magazine Gute Fahrt, They also recommend that we drivers attend first aid courses (run by the Red Cross or St. Johns). That knowledge may also come in useful at home!

I have checked on fire extinguishers available in this country and went straight to the 'horses mouth' (SPA Limited, the manufactures of systems for all motor sport vehicles) In motor sport we have to abide by the FIA rules and fire extinguishers filled with AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) are approved. These don't 'compact' like the powder versions, which have to be turned upside down before they function. Powder compresses, especially when shaken in a car for a long time without being used! AFFF is better being more efficient and non-toxic. The German report had lots of advice on where to buy the equipment and how much it costs. Those of you who know us know that A.A.T. Ltd are able to provide fire extinguishers.

Gerhild West, from the magazine of the Volkswagen Owners Club of GB