Potential Dodge Ram 1500 Fire Hazard

Recently, we investigated how a gasoline spill could have caused damage to an asphalt driveway.  During the investigation, it was learned that the insured had purchased a 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, approximately one month before the spill occurred.  It was also learned that the insured was leaving his residence when he noticed gasoline on his garage floor and driveway.  The dealer was subsequently contacted and the vehicle repaired.  According to the dealer’s work order, a quick connect fitting in the fuel line had separated and had allowed fuel to spill on the floor.  The insured described the scene as a large spill, gallons of fuel that occurred in a very short time period, seconds.  Although this incident occurred without fire, the separation of the quick connect fitting crated an enormous fire hazard.  The only indication that the insured had of a potential problem was that the truck would not immediately start.  If you own a 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 and experience difficulty starting, STOP!  Get out of the truck, if you smell gasoline fumes or see a fuel spill, DO NOT attempt to move the vehicle.  Instead, get yourself and your passengers away from the vehicle.  If there is no fire, contact your dealer and advise them of the situation and request that they arrange for towing back to their location for repair.  If there is a fire, call 911.  As far as the asphalt driveway was concerned, the binding materials used in asphalt will absorb gasoline and as a result, weaken the bond between the binder and the asphalt.  The end result will be a surface that will not withstand vehicular loads, it will eventually crack and break.