Phoenix has experienced multiple days of triple-digit temperatures lately, with many more to come this year and next. When the temperatures rise to record highs, it’s not just plants, animals, and humans that are affected. Cars are, too. And when cars and roads heat up, drivers have to take a few extra precautions to stay safe.
Here are some tips to avoid car accidents caused by heat-related stress:
1. Fill your windshield wiper fluid. Make sure you have plenty of fluid to help clear your windshield if it gets coated in dust and bug debris. Having a clear line of sight is incredibly important in avoiding accidents.
2. Top off your antifreeze correctly. Read your car’s manual and choose the correct type of antifreeze. Your motor will be working overtime to stay cool as you drive.
3. Tune up your air-conditioning system. This means taking it to a mechanic and making sure it is in good working order. You do not want to be caught in the heat without a way to cool down; hot drivers can become drowsy and distracted.
4. Bring water. Packing water in your car is extremely important. Whether you’re shopping at the Camelback Colonnade or hiking at the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, you’ll want to have extra water in case of an emergency. You can use water not only to stay hydrated, but also to cool down your car if it overheats (consult your owner’s manual first).
5. Check tires. When tires overheat, they can start to warp and even lose air. Make sure they are filled to the correct air pressure and check them for signs of wear or warp.
6. Invest in a sun shade for your car. When you must park in direct sunlight, it’s a good idea to protect your car with a sun shade. This not only protects your dash and interior from added wear and aging, but it also protects you from getting burned by a hot seat belt when you get back in.
7. Stay in your car in case of an emergency, unless it’s safer to exit. If you must exit, choose somewhere away from traffic and in the shade while you wait for emergency personnel. Do not wait on the side of the road in the sun, or you could face heat-related injuries.
8. Never leave a pet or child in your car, even for a few minutes, even with the air-conditioning running. What if the motor stalls or the air-conditioner fails? It’s not safe, and it’s against the law.
9. Park in the shade whenever possible, and give your car time to cool down between errands. Keep an eye on your car’s indicator lights, and make sure there are no warning signs that need attention.
10. Plan your road trips according to where you can stop for gas and water, and shady places, along the way. Don’t let your tank get too low and don’t run out of water before you find a place to refill. Make sure you have a fully charged cell phone along for the ride.
Following these simple tips can mean the difference between a properly running automobile and one that is unsafe to drive. While car accidents can occur because of the heat, people can also suffer from heat injuries from being caught out in the sun. If you are injured in an accident, contact The Husband and Wife Law Team, Mark and Alexis Breyer.