news-record.com

Danville Va. police are warning motorists to beware of gas pumps that are locking in the on position and causing gas to spew for unsuspecting motorists looking to fill up.

I think it would be safe to say this isn't a Danville-only problem, and it probably explains why the locking devices were removed from my neighborhood gas station recently.

Anyone experienced this sort of thing here?

From a Danville police news release:

The Danville Police Department is currently receiving reports and information concerning the safety of self- service gasoline pumps in the surrounding area.

In the incidents reported to us the fuel dispenser nozzle has been left in the locked open position when hung back on the gas pump. When the next customer turns the pump on by selecting the fuel grade, fuel begins dispensing before the nozzle has been inserted into the vehicle’s tank.

At this time this information has been corroborated with other localities and motorists are urged to take precautions when refueling their vehicles.

The possibility for fire, damage or personal injury is of great concern and the Danville Police Department encourages the public to check the position of the handle on the fuel dispenser nozzle before selecting the fuel grade.