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Esteemed Nobel laureate John Steinbeck once said, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” The shimmering allure of the summer sun, more often than not, clouds our equanimity to the pitfalls that extreme heat can have on our vehicular endeavors.
The Reality of Summer Driving
Many folks harbor the idea that winter alone owns the monopoly on driving hazards, with its treacherous icy roads and hampered visibility. But, a common misunderstanding is that summer driving is a breeze, free from its fair share of risks. In fact, research by the respected Society for Automotive Engineers illustrates an uptick in motoring accidents during summer relative to winter.
The Threat Presented by Sweltering Summers
It’s not often discussed how enduring excessive heat can substantially detract from our cognitive capacities resulting in impaired decision-making, delayed reactions and dwindling focus. This Catch-22 situation heightens the chance of mishaps when temperatures soar. It might shock you that heat build-up in a parked vehicle can be immediate and fatal. That same pent-up heat may induce heatstroke if folks stay put inside for an extended period. Stanford University subtly highlights how vehicles can morph into threats for humans and pets alike, heating up to perilous degrees even under mild ambient conditions.
“Safety first” is “Safety always”
Eschew Dehydration: The sizzling summer heat can sap up hydration levels rapidly, jeopardizing alertness and leading to fatigue. Always stash bottles of water in your vehicle during scorcher days.
Control your vehicle’s Inner Climate: Use sun shades or tinted windows if legally permissible and ensure tip-top operation of your A/C system.
Sidestep Prolonged Direct Sunlight: Try parking in shade-dappled areas or garages where possible to keep your vehicle from turning into an oven due to UV rays.
“Lost Pet or Child” Alert: Never leave children or pets alone in your car – it takes no time for temperatures inside to hit dangerous levels with potential tragic outcomes.
Despite checking all the safety boxes and following the many rules of the road in intense heat, maintaining a sharp eye and constant alertness is beyond crucial. On the off-chance that things go south- particularly when commuting alongside big rigs and other hefty vehicles on freeways- consult with a truck accident lawyer for expert guidance.
Hot Wheels for Scorching Climates?
This caught some experts’ attention: Questions still hang around whether motor vehicles constructed for hotter climes are endowed with superior systems to combat challenges imposed by blistering heat. Regardless, no one’s seen any major differences between cars meant for different climates.
The most important thing is that every driver keeps it calm behind the wheel. Enjoy those long summer drives along the coast or through the city, but don’t forget to play it safe and look out for other drivers too. Safety’s super important, whether it’s for yourself or for others on the road.
