Originally Posted by Joliet John

Yeah, like not talking on your cell phone (which couldn't ignite gas fumes if you tried to make it work - Mythbusters tried it). Actually, the *most* dangerous thing I see people doing at gas stations, especially now in the winter - they start pumping the gas, get back in their car, get out and finish fueling. Excellent setup for a static spark, which I *have* seen ignite the fumes around the fuel door.

But, for the most part, I recall, as a kid, the full service gas stations where the greasy guy with the lit cigarette hanging out of his mouth would come out and pump your gas. Yet, you never heard of gas stations blowing up back then, did you? You have to wonder why not. Back when things were less safe, it seems less bad things happened somehow.