Burn injury may result from the operation or maintenance of motor vehicles. We reviewed 150 vehicle-related admissions to one burn center between 1987 and 1992.

Vehicle operation resulted in 69 burns including 47 burns from fires following collisions. Vehicle maintenance resulted in 37 carburetor priming burns, 27 radiator scalds and 17 refueling or repair injuries. Six vehicle maintenance burns were occupationally related.

Vehicle-related burns had a mean length of stay of 42 days and a mean patient charge of $79,811

Burns resulting from vehicle operation or maintenance are costly and potentially preventable.