10 Dangerous Habits to Avoid at Gas Stations That Could Spark a Disaster is a critical topic that every driver needs to understand.
Fueling your car might seem like a simple, routine task—but gas stations are high-risk areas where one careless mistake could lead to injury, fire, or even a deadly explosion.
This article outlines ten dangerous habits you need to avoid to stay safe and protect those around you.
10 Dangerous Habits to Avoid at Gas Stations
1. Using Your Phone While Pumping Gas
While the myth that phones directly ignite fuel vapors is still debated, the real danger lies in distraction. Handling your phone at the pump can cause you to overlook fuel overflow, forget to shut off the engine, or walk away while fuel is still dispensing.
It’s best to leave your phone in the car or pocket until refueling is complete.
Related hazard: Static discharge from phone cases and handling.
More on cell phone use risks at gas stations (DoFollow)
2. Leaving the Engine Running While Refueling
This is one of the most commonly ignored but serious gas station safety violations. Your car’s ignition system or even a malfunctioning electrical component could ignite fuel vapors during refueling. Always turn off your vehicle before starting to pump gas.
Internal Tip: Follow this and other safe fueling procedures outlined in our Training and Safety Awareness article.
3. Smoking or Lighting Up Nearby
Never smoke or use a lighter within 100 feet of a fuel pump. Even a tiny spark can ignite volatile gas vapors in the air, especially during warmer months when vapor release increases.
4. Getting in and Out of Your Vehicle Mid-Fueling
This creates static electricity buildup, especially in dry or cold weather. If you re-enter your car during fueling and touch the metal nozzle upon exit, that static spark can ignite the fumes.
If you must re-enter, always touch a metal surface away from the pump to discharge static first.
5. “Topping Off” the Tank
Overfilling the tank after the pump clicks off can cause fuel spills, vapor emissions, and pressure buildup in your car’s fuel system.
This not only increases the risk of a fire but can also damage your vehicle’s vapor recovery system.
Read more on the environmental risk of topping off (DoFollow)
6. Handling Fuel Without Proper Containers
Never use plastic bottles, open containers, or unapproved jerry cans to carry gasoline. These are prone to static charge and leakage. Always use a certified, labeled fuel container with a secure cap and grounding feature.
7. Ignoring Fuel Spills
Fuel spills should be taken seriously. A small puddle under your vehicle or near the pump can be enough to cause a fire. If you spill fuel, alert the station staff immediately and avoid turning on your vehicle until the area is cleaned.
8. Letting Children or Pets Roam Free
Gas stations are not play areas. Children can unknowingly press pump triggers or run into traffic paths. Similarly, leaving pets in hot vehicles, even for minutes, can lead to heatstroke or ventilation issues.
9. Distracted or Rushed Behavior
Multitasking while fueling—grabbing snacks, cleaning your windshield, or making calls—leads to mistakes like removing the nozzle late or forgetting to close the cap. Slow down and stay present.
10. Ignoring Signage and Safety Instructions
Those signs at the pump are there for a reason. Whether it’s “No Smoking”, “Turn Off Engine”, or “Do Not Top Off”, following posted instructions is crucial to maintaining safety for yourself and others.
Conclusion: Stay Alert and Safe While Refueling
Gas stations demand awareness and caution. These 10 dangerous habits to avoid at gas stations are not just best practices—they are lifesaving measures that protect you, your vehicle, and everyone else nearby. Remember, your vehicle may run on fuel, but safety must always come first.
For more safety tips, check out our guide on Safe Use of Industrial Cleaning Chemicals and our latest post on Heat Stress and Hydration.
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