Temperatures are skyrocketing in Spain and overheated cars can quickly become death traps for children and pets
It’s never advisable to leave children or dogs alone in a vehicle but this advice becomes even more vital during warm spells, as the magnifying effect of the glass, dark upholstery and concentrated heat can ramp up the mercury to unbearable levels.
A stitch in time saves nine
To avoid this type of incident, some countries like Italy have made child alert systems mandatory in vehicles, which emit a warning if the driver leaves the car with a child still inside. However, this is not the case in Spain.
There are a number of simple ways to keep cars cool in summer though. The inside of vehicles should optimally be between 21ºC and 24ºC and cars that have been sitting in the sun should be well ventilated before children are put inside.
Children should travel in loose clothing and while air conditioning is helpful, it should not be directed straight at minors as this can dry out mucous membranes or irritate the respiratory system.
One ingenious trick is simple and cheap to perform, as it can be done with the engine off, and can actually lower the temperature inside the car by 10ºC in as little as ten minutes.
The driver should open the car window fully before forcefully opening and closing the opposite car door several times. According to experts, the pressure-depression effect generated by the movement of the door causes a strong current of suction inside the vehicle. Thus, the hot air leaves through the door and is replaced by the cool air that enters through the open window.
Image: DGT
Source: Murcia Today
