Return trip: Tips for getting home safely

We are very sorry, but the time has come. We are already nearing the end of summer and it’s time to return to the city, to work, to routine and to enjoy our home again. But just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean the heat will leave us behind. On these days when we face the return trip, we must keep in mind that we will encounter high temperatures and a road full of drivers who are also suffering from that intense heat.

Heat is one of the problems we will encounter when returning home after the holidaysThis is one of the problems we may face, because, as we know, attention at the wheel drops by at least 10% when we are exposed to high temperatures. Heat also affects how we receive and process information, so we must increase our attention on the road to avoid making driving errors.

This is not something to take lightly, because at a temperature of 30º the driver behaves similarly to someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.29 g/litre, which would put them above the legal limit. If the cabin temperature reaches 35º, the sensation is similar to the driver having 0.50 grams/litre. So the first thing to do is lower the temperature inside the car to make driving more pleasant.

Heat also causes drowsiness, a feeling that can be heightened after a heavy meal. So let’s look at how to reduce the heat and avoid all these problems that can cause a serious accident.

Before starting the journey, and when opening the car, leave the doors open for a while so that the air circulates well and the first sensation is not so intense. Before closing the doors, open the windows so that the air keeps circulating. The air conditioning should not be switched on without doing this, since this way it will work less and the car will reach the right temperature sooner for more comfortable driving, around 24º at most.

When travelling, it is better to do so during the hours with less sun, such as early in the morning, or in the afternoon, when the sun is already low and not as hot. Clothing should be light and comfortable, absorb sweat well and not be restrictive. Stop every 200 km or two hours, cool down, and so be ready to face the hours of travel.

And, above all, no alcohol at all, not only because of the fines you might face, but because of the risk that consuming it poses while driving. We will not comment on car maintenance, since it is assumed it was carried out before setting off. Even so, check the engine fluid levels and the tyre pressure.

Have a great trip and a safe return!