ICBC advises drivers to take precautions in the heat

Summer isn’t over yet, and as the sweltering heat continues in B.C., ICBC has issued some warnings for anyone planning to spend any time on the road.

Karen Klein, ICBC’s road safety coordinator, says the heat can take a toll on drivers and their vehicles, recommending those feeling the effects of the heat pull over for a while.

“Blasting the air conditioning, blasting the music, doing all the things we think are going to help us, aren’t going to help us,” she said. “Just finding a spot to rest and taking a break is the only thing that is going to help you combat any heat-related fatigue.”

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She’s also reminding drivers to stay hydrated and keep water, an emergency kit, and a good pair of shoes in the car in case of a breakdown and they need to walk outside.

Additionally, Klein says basic car maintenance is important, especially when it comes to checking your tire pressure.

“Air does expand in really hot weather, as well as it shrinks in cold weather in the winter,” she said.

“We tend to always remind people to check their vehicles and check their cars, including their tire pressure in the summer months, to make sure they are not overfull or they have not expanded beyond the capacity of the weight that should be in those tires.”

Klein also stresses that as the heat continues, drivers should watch out for others on the road that may also be dealing with fatigue.