Summer is a time of vacations, travel and, unfortunately, abnormal heat. Experts warn that high temperatures can have a negative impact on the attention and well-being of drivers. To avoid trouble on the road in the heat, it is necessary to adopt a few recommendations that can be useful even for experienced drivers.
1. Road rutting
During heat waves, heavy trucks are often prohibited from traveling on certain sections of the road, only being allowed to travel during the hours of darkness. The reason for this restriction is that heavy trucks can deform the sun-heated roadway. Imperceptible dents and bumps in the road can significantly affect the trajectory of the vehicle. Therefore, it is important to be careful when driving both on highways and in the city.
2. Slower reaction time
Heat can cause drivers to slow down their reactions, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road. People become sleepy and their movements become slow and clumsy. To regain your alertness and sharpness of reaction, it is recommended to drink more water, use the air conditioning in the car and, if possible, postpone long trips to the evening when the sun is not so intense.
3. road rage
Heat can affect not only the physical well-being, but also the psychological state of a person. Lack of oxygen in the body caused by high temperatures can lead to anxiety and uncontrollable aggression. If you feel irritable while driving, it is important to cool down and ventilate the car interior.
4. Problems with the vehicle
High temperatures can have a negative effect on all parts of the car and the paintwork. For example, the braking performance of cars without anti-lock braking systems is significantly reduced during hot weather. Also, high temperatures can affect the operation of sensors, electronics and motor. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself in advance with the plan of action in case of a car breakdown far from home.
In addition, it is worth remembering that if the car has been in direct sunlight for a long time, you should not abruptly turn on the air conditioner at full power. The cooling of the car should occur gradually to avoid sudden temperature changes, which can be dangerous to health. Also, if there is a chip on the windshield, an instant cold snap may cause a crack to appear.
It’s important to remember to stay safe on the road during heat waves. By following simple recommendations and taking precautions, you can avoid trouble and keep yourself healthy.
