The first heat wave of summer has already arrived. Since yesterday, Monday, most of the autonomous communities have been registering extremely high temperatures, with maximums above 40 degrees, and the forecasts of the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) indicate that they will remain at least until tomorrow.
With the thermometer reaching maximum levels, it is important to keep in mind that when getting behind the wheel, extreme heat presents an additional danger. We must not forget that this intense heat wave negatively affects drivers, passengers and vehicles during the journey. For this reason, in situations of extreme heat we must strengthen security measures to avoid risky situations on the road.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) warns that extremely high temperatures have negative effects on the driver. Fatigue increases and reflexes decrease, so it takes more time for the motorist to react and more mistakes are made. Traffic adds that, according to various studies, driving with excessive heat increases the risk of an accident by 20%, which gives us an idea of the importance of regulating the temperature of the passenger compartment.
When temperatures rise, any maintenance problem in our vehicles is more noticeable. Therefore, it is advisable that we carry out a thorough inspection before going on a road trip, checking both the mechanical parts and the fluid levels.
Maintaining an adequate temperature inside the car is essential to preserve concentration and attention during the trip. When driving with a temperature of 35 degrees we stop seeing between 10% and 20% of the traffic signs, according to the information from the DGT disseminated through its channels. In addition, excessive heat can increase aggressiveness and nervousness behind the wheel.
The RACE recommends maintaining a constant temperature in the passenger compartment between 21 and 23 degrees, a fork that ensures the well-being of the driver, as well as the rest of the passengers.
During heat waves, like the one we are experiencing these days, when the outside temperature is 39 degrees, some areas of the cabin can easily reach 70 degrees. In two and a half hours without ventilation, the interior temperature is 88% higher than the exterior, which is why before starting to drive we must pre-cool the car to get behind the wheel in the best conditions.
An effective method to get the temperature down quickly is the trick revealed by a Japanese professor. It consists of rolling down the front passenger window, then opening and closing the driver's door quickly and forcefully five times. These movements will help the air to circulate through the passenger compartment and the hot mass trapped inside the vehicle to dissipate.
To get the passenger compartment to reach the desired temperature as soon as possible, it is advisable to drive for a few minutes with the windows down so that the hot air can escape. This way we will improve the efficiency of the air conditioning in the shortest possible time.
It is essential to make sure that you feel comfortable in the clothes you are wearing. Opting for roomy, loose-fitting garments made of breathable fabrics provides greater comfort, as does wearing light shades that absorb less solar radiation. On the other hand, it is important to remember that it is not allowed to drive without a shirt or with inappropriate footwear. The use of flip flops, which is usually common in summer, can represent an obstacle to control the pedals, so it is an action punishable by traffic agents.
If possible, drive during the hours when the temperatures are milder, that is, first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon. In any case, avoid doing it between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., which is when temperatures reach their maximum records.
When driving, it is advisable to stop every 2 hours or every 200 kilometers, especially when the temperatures are very high, since they increase the risk of fatigue. We must try to stop the car in shaded areas and if we stop in the sun, we must not leave the elderly, children or animals inside the car.
If at any time you detect symptoms of fatigue or drowsiness, stop immediately to rest or sleep. Fatigue or sleep appears as a recurring factor in 11% of fatal accidents in Spain in 2022, according to data compiled by the DGT Road Safety Observatory.
No copious meals and alcohol. It is convenient to eat a light diet, rich in protein and vitamins, avoiding fats and alcoholic beverages. Fruit juices are also a good option.
Don't wait for a drink break. Do it frequently, without waiting until you are thirsty, so have cool non-alcoholic drinks on hand.
In the hours when the sun's rays fall more directly on the windshield of the vehicle, it is advisable to use the appropriate glasses to protect yourself from glare. It must be taken into account that these lenses must be approved and meet certain requirements, so not all sunglasses are suitable for driving.
