Preventing fires and extending escape time are of utmost importance when people are in a confined and not easily vacated space. Spanning all modes of transportation, including airplanes, cars, trains, busses and even e-bikes and e-scooters, flame retardants can play a key role in protecting travelers from the devastation of fire. The critical role of flame retardants as a tool in fire prevention as electrification of transportation becomes more prevalent was cited in a 2022 Journal of Fire Science publication. Fire safety in cars continues to be of increased importance with the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs).
After the July 2013 Asiana Airline crash in San Francisco, for example, experts credited flame retardant materials with helping passengers survive the crash. Former FAA Director Steven Wallace told the New York Times that flame retardant materials inside the plane, including foil wrapping under the seats, most likely helped protect many passengers.
During the Daytona 500 in February 2020, Ryan Newman spun out and crashed his race car. After being taken to the hospital with what was described as “serious injuries,” he was up talking to his doctors just a day later and released soon thereafter. NASCAR safety innovations, including flame retardant suits, gloves, and neck sleeves have been helping protect drivers like Newman.