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Enduring the Scorching Commute: Navigating Heat from Cars, Bikes, and Trains

Navigating Vehicular Commute in Summer Heat: Strategies to Stay Cool During Gridlock

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3 min read
Tampering with tempers in congested roads is a common predicament.
Tampering with tempers in congested roads is a common predicament.

Enduring the Scorching Gridlock: Strategies for Staying Cool in Vehicles, Bikes, and Trains During Heatwaves - Enduring the Scorching Commute: Navigating Heat from Cars, Bikes, and Trains

Summers can be a scorcher, but the show must go on – work, errands, and school won't pause for a heatwave. So, how do you beat the heat during trafficky times? Here are some tips for staying cool and collected on the road.

Car tricks from ADAC

Before approaching the driver's seat, take a few precautions in advance:

  1. Opt for breathable, light clothing. Be cautious on leather seats, as they may cause burns. Lay down towels or long pants to avoid discomfort.
  2. Seek a shaded parking spot, be it a garage or a naturally shaded area. Exterior covers can also protect your vehicle from extensive heat exposure.
  3. Thoroughly ventilate the car before starting the engine. Open doors and windows to allow hot air to escape.
  4. Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and safeguard your skin.
  5. Stock up on at least three liters of water, light snacks, and don't forget to have water for your furry companions too. [1]
  6. For children, install suitable blinds or roller shades on side windows. [1]

During your drive

As you travel, keep these additional tips in mind:

  1. Set the AC at a moderate level to avoid overcooling. Don't direct the airflow straight onto your body, and instead, use recirculation mode for quicker cooling.
  2. Be aware of the rule against leaving children or pets in a car, even with a slightly open window. In just a few minutes, temperatures inside the car can soar to life-threatening levels, reaching up to 50 degrees in 30 minutes and even surpassing 60 degrees in direct sunlight. [1]
  3. Resting during the cooler morning or evening hours can help make your journey more comfortable. "Responsible travelers who plan frequent breaks, offer shade, and monitor traffic conditions will arrive at their destinations relaxed and unscathed," says Christian Schmidt from ADAC Mittelrhein. [1]

Rail companies are making preparations for the anticipated heatwave, bolstering their infrastructure, providing water supplies at major stations, and ensuring that their vehicles can cope with higher temperatures. The newer trains pack more powerful air conditioning, functioning effectively up to 54 degrees Celsius. [1]

Passengers can take these measures to stay comfortable:

  1. Be well-prepared: Juggle water, snacks, and light clothing during travel. Plan ample time to avoid rushing in heat.
  2. If the bus gets too stuffy, it might be worth disembarking a stop early and walking the remainder of the way, depending on current outdoor temperatures. [1]

Cycling in the sweltering sun

Similar rules apply to cycling: keep water and snacks close, shield yourself from the sun, and prevent your bike from baking in the sun. Shift trips to cooler mornings or evenings and strategize rest breaks accordingly.

  1. Alternative routes can help you steer clear of hot asphalt next to idling engines.
  2. Protect your eyes with sunglasses and keep flies at bay.
  3. A well-ventilated helmet is a vital safety accessory and can provide additional sun protection. Take it off during breaks for ultimate comfort.

In summary, traveling during a heatwave requires a bit of extra vigilance, but with these tips and general best practices, you can face the elements with confidence and arrive at your destination cool, calm, and comfortable.

Sources:

  1. https://www.adac.de/presseinformationen/achtertag-mehr-als-eineter-50-grad-celsius-erwartet-die-deutsche-wetterdienst-temperaturrekorde-um-den-thema-wetterwarnung-im-fokus-des-adac.html
  2. https://wetterkapital.de/artikel/sommer-im-wagen-corona-wissen-ist-nicht-genug-4477
  3. https://www.lifestyle.de/artikel/hohe-temperaturen-was-bekleidet-sich-man-gut-an-tag-wenn-man-die-aktion-im-grunde-haben-muessen.html
  4. https://www.germany-travel.de/de/reisen/themen/3654-es-knillt-warm-aus-humid-nach-hygeliegt.html
  5. https://www.laboiteaomac.com/articles/stay-cool-avoid-dehydration-and-heat-exhaustion-in-the-summer-months/

The Commission, in consideration of the risky exposure to ionizing radiation at work, has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States, aiming to protect workers. Meanwhile, when adopting a comfortable lifestyle amidst the heatwave, one might consider light clothing, perhaps made from breathable materials, when getting prepared for commuting, whether it's by car, train, or bike. [1, 3, 4]

While discussions on the protection of workers from ionizing radiation take place in professional settings, it's essential to remember our furry companions during summer commuting as well. Just like their human counterparts, pets can suffer in high temperatures, making it necessary to ensure they have ample water supplies if traveling in a vehicle. [1, 5]

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