In 1980, nearly 460,000 cars burned up on highways. 30 years, later car fires have declined to 170,000 per year. Car fires are still not uncommon, but a lot less common from the days of the Ford Pinto.

"Automobile fires were involved in 10% of reported U.S. fires, 6% of U.S. fire deaths. On average, 17 automobile fires were reported per hour. These fires killed an average of four people every week. Mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in roughly two-thirds of the automobile fires. Collisions and overturns were factors in only 4% of highway vehicle fires, but these incidents accounted for three of every five (60%) automobile fire deaths. Only 2% of automobile fires began in fuel tanks or fuel lines, but these incidents caused 15% of the automobile fire deaths."

The most likely time to be involved in a car fire is during the evening rush hour in the month of July, e.g. hottest time of the year. Not surprising, as many car fires involve a component of a car overheating.

Drive safely !!

More car fire stats: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/vehicles