I had blue reverse and license plate lights on my car for 3 years and never had a problem, untill I desided to burn some rubber on the parking lot, which happen to be right across from city jail (I know it was really stupid). Well, it ended up that cop made me brake those bolbs without getting a ticket and leaving with verbal warning.
I did put new blue bolbs later, but I've been carefull and never had a problem since.
So I would say that it's all about gasket between stearing wheel and seat.
Just my 2 cent