Easy ways to prevent heat-related catastrophe

Summer travel means extra precautions for drivers and passengers, especially during weekends and holidays.

So says the California Highway Patrol, which warns drivers easy safety precautions help mitigate summer heat taking its toll on vehicles, drivers, passengers and pets.

“Warm temperatures and busy holiday travel of summer put extra demands on car and driver,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said recently. “Always buckle up, designate a sober driver, adhere to the speed limit and avoid becoming distracted behind the wheel. With a little planning and preparation you will be able to reduce the risk of a tragedy occurring this summer.”

The CHP offered the following recommendations for safe summer driving:

• Never, under any circumstance, leave a child or pet in an unattended vehicle. Cabin temperature can soar into triple digits in less than an hour, according to the National Weather Service. For example, a dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in the range of 180 to over 200°F.
• Inspect your vehicle’s radiator system. Summer breakdowns caused by failure of the vehicle's cooling system are common.
• Stay up on oil changes. Extreme temperatures stress on an engine and dirty oil can cause damage or poor engine operation.
• Remove unnecessary items from your car. Disposable lighters can explode in extreme heat; batteries can melt and leak hazardous materials.
• Carry a roadside emergency kit. Include fresh water, shelf-stable food, cellular telephone and charger, sunscreen, first-aid kit, properly-inflated spare tire, a tire inflator or foam tire sealant, car jack and lug wrench, jumper cables, orange triangle or other emergency signal, multi-tool or basic tool kit, maps of your area and flashlight with extra batteries.