Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. However, if the temperature of the car reaches more than 35º it has a similar effect to driving under a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g / l. It is one of the latest warnings made by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) through its official Twitter account.
The air conditioning in the car is not only a question of comfort, in the summer season it is also about road safety and condition of the car. Thus, the DGT magazine reveals that at a temperature inside the car that is around 35ºC, the driver will react 20% slower than another whose vehicle is around 25ºC. ” An effect ‘similar’ to driving with a BAC close to 0.5 g / l in blood,” he says.
Thus, the agency explains that it is very important to keep the vehicle interior cool and ventilated. However, there are other considerations that must be taken into account in order to use the air conditioner correctly.
- The air conditioning should not be turned on to the maximum when you get to the car that has been exposed to the sun. The DGT states that the doors and windows must be opened and the passenger compartment ventilated for one minute before activating the air conditioning.
- It is not advisable to keep the recirculation button activated because it helps the windows to fog up.
- You must always put the air. The DGT states that even if it is not hot, it is always advisable to put the air in to prevent the windows from fogging up.
- Position the diffusers upwards. This position is key to promote that the air is easily distributed throughout the vehicle.
- Maintenance. Like oil, tires or brake fluid, the air conditioning system also requires specific maintenance.
