TOPEKA, Kan. (June 9, 2017) As Kansas drivers prepare for the first heat wave of the season, with temperatures expected to soar into the 90s across the state over the next week, AAA Kansas is expecting an increase in emergency roadside assistance call volume as older batteries conk out, tires blow out and minor car troubles become major due to the heat.
“It may not officially be summer yet, but the heat is definitely on which means the AAA Roadside Rescue Team is gearing up for a busy weekend ahead,” says Shawn Steward, spokesperson for AAA. “AAA is encouraging drivers to prepare for the worst – just in case.”
A recent AAA survey reveals that 4 out of 10 American drivers are unprepared for emergency breakdown situations.
“In the extreme heat, having a disabled vehicle can be more than just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous, especially for children or seniors. It’s critical that drivers take every precaution to protect themselves – and their passengers” Steward says.
AAA expects to rescue 7 million drivers nationwide this summer, and many of those breakdowns will be triggered by the heat.
Plan this weekend’s commute
Given the projected high temperatures and the summer travel season, AAA is urging drivers to make sure their emergency kit is well-stocked, have their battery tested and inspect tires (including the spare) to make certain their cars are road-ready.
“Roadside breakdowns continue to rise each year,” Steward says. “AAA is ready to help when vehicle troubles leave you stranded, however, travelers can minimize their risk by planning ahead and preparing properly.”
Your Summer Emergency Kit Should Include:
- mobile phone and car charger
- flashlight with extra batteries
- first-aid kit
- basic toolkit with tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench
- windshield washer solution
- jumper cables
- emergency flares or reflectors
- drinking water
- extra snacks and food for travelers and pets
- extra medication as needed
Also, in an effort to remind drivers of the dangers of heatstroke and leaving children in hot cars, AAA Kansas urges drivers to “look before you lock.” Heatstroke is the number one killer of children, outside of car crashes, according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“As outside temperatures rise, the risks of children dying from being left alone inside a hot vehicle also rises,” says Steward. “One child dies from heatstroke nearly every 10 days from being left in a hot vehicle, but what is most tragic is that these deaths could have been prevented.”
Children’s body temperatures can rise up to five times faster than that of an adult and heatstroke can occur in temperatures as low as 57 degrees. On an 80-degree day, a car can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes.
AAA Kansas urges all parents and caregivers to do these three things:
- Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended
- Make it a habit to look in the back seat EVERY time you exit the car
- if you ever see a child left alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 right away
- Know the warning signs of heatstroke, which include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin; no sweating; a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse; nausea; confusion; or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs after being in a hot vehicle, quickly spray the child with cool water or with a garden hose – NEVER an ice bath. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Pets, for many of the same reasons, should also never be left in a vehicle, especially during warm weather.