High summer temperatures can adversely affect both the performance of cars, as well as the safety and comfort of the drivers. Specialists offer some simple recommendations to prevent unwanted heat effects on their cars and passengers.
The temperature in the car can affect the driving. Photo: freepik.com
Scientists in several countries have studied how the temperature influences road accidents and have discovered a similar pattern: the hot weather increases their risk, according to the scientific American science publication.
Sun parking, unwanted
According to the quoted source, exposure to extreme heat disrupts the functioning of the body and brain, having severe effects.
“Dehydration, drowsiness and mood disorders caused by heat can increase the impulsivity and reduce cognitive performance, a serious reason for anyone who is behind the wheel. In addition, a car retains heat amplifies the risk of accident.”shows scientific American, in an article dedicated to the effects of the heat on drivers.
The scientist Ronnen Levinson, a researcher at the Lawrence Berkeley national laboratory, compares the cars with the greenhouses, explaining that when a vehicle is parked in the sun, the light passes through the windows and windshield, and inside, the surfaces exposed and even the air absorbs the heat until the temperature becomes unbearable.
“Levinson and his colleagues discovered that, on a pleasant morning, with an outside temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a black car left in the sun for one hour exceeded 47 degrees Celsius. After another four hours, even with the air conditioning started intermittently, the temperature inside was about 64 degrees Celsius ”, shows the science publication.
Overheated cars, hidden hazard
The outside temperature is the main factor that determines how hot the interior of a car can become, Ronnen Levinson said. Thus, according to him, when the thermometer climbs over 38 degrees Celsius, a vehicle can quickly turn into an oven, hot enough to “slowly cook” a piece of meat.
The researcher found that, after 30 minutes of continuous air conditioning, the interior temperature of the car has dropped from 64 degrees Celsius to about 34 degrees, being still far from comfortable.
The human body cannot tolerate such excessive heat for too long, warns, according to the publication, the doctor Neha Raukar, specialist in sports medicine and heat -related conditions.
“Even temperatures over 42 degrees Celsius, combined with very low humidity, are considered in sports as part of the danger area. The state in a car where the temperature can reach or even exceed 65 degrees Celsius can be lethal, regardless of your body chemistry,” added it.
Even a short exposure to extreme heat can affect the ability to drive. In a study quoted by Scientific American, a group of Italian researchers discovered that people who were driving previously parked cars in a shadow had greater difficulties in maintaining the straight direction, in identifying traffic signals and in the rapid reaction to traffic situations.
What can the drivers do so as not to fall victim to the heat
Some measures taken by drivers, but also by authorities can reduce the risk of accidents during heat waves. The use of reflective parasolations on the front windshield and rear window is an effective method to limit the penetration of solar light inside the car, shows the scientist Ronnen Levinson.
Doctor Neha Raukar adds that people need to be aware of the individual sensitivity to high temperatures.
Regardless of their health, all drivers can benefit from simple safety measures: opening the windows or doors and starting the air conditioning for a few minutes before closing completely in the car, as well as providing a hydration source.
If, during the driving, sensations of discomfort appear, even in case of haste, sometimes the safest decision is to stop on the road.
“If you feel something is wrong, pull the right and drink cold liquids”, recommended the doctor.
The shadow, essential for the comfort of the cars
A study in 2020 in Slovenia showed that, after a few hours, a car parked in a shadow of trees was 20 degrees Celsius cooler than one left in an unobstructed space, the same day.
Ronnen Levinson states that planting trees that offer shadow in parking can contribute significantly to maintaining lower temperatures inside cars. In another study, the scientist showed that, like dark roofs, dark pavements are strong in the sun, as they absorb between 80 and 95 percent of sunlight.
“These hot surfaces aggravate the phenomenon of urban heat island, heating the local air and contributing to global warming. The pavements have a considerable impact, because it covers about one third of the surface of the urban areas. explained the author of the study.
The “cold” pavements, with solar reflectivity, remain cooler in the sun than the traditional pavements, the author of the research shows.
Attention to tires
Another danger of road traffic safety on hot days is the increased risk of tire explosion, warns the National Administration on Highways (NHTSA).
“When driving on hot roads, at highway speeds, the tires are heated, and the risk of explosion increases – which can lead to loss of control and, potentially, an accident,” NHTSA informed, in an article dedicated to driving during heat.
According to the data collected by the American institution, the summer – June, July and August – are associated with the largest number of serious accidents caused by tires.
“The hot tires can explode, especially if they are sub -inflated. This not only increases the risk of explosion, but also leads to slower and more imprecise behavior, longer braking distances and increased stress on the tire components. So, before you start in this summer full of distractions. Money, time and can even save your life ”recommended NHTSA.
The advice of the cops
In the hot days, the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police advises the drivers to follow some rules: to use the air conditioning systems; to ensure that the pressure in the tires is the one recommended for the hot season; to avoid traveling around noon as much as possible, especially the elderly; not to drive if they are tired.
Also, all the reflections given by the very strong solar rays, from the windshield or on the asphalt, must be treated with all attention, reflections that can create unexpected difficulties for the steering wheel, giving it unpleasant surprises.
“We recommend to people with cardiac or other medical problems, meant to prevent the driving of vehicles in safe conditions, to avoid as much as possible the vehicle during the hot -time periods, and if it is imperative to travel in the vehicle. increase major risk of being involved in a road event with unwanted consequences“, informs IGPR, in a statement.
