Practical, effective and practical

outline：Since the onset of summer, temperatures have been steadily rising, and traffic accidents have also begun to increase. Why are there more traffic accidents in summer than in the other three seasons? What safety precautions should drivers take when driving during the summer? Recently, the Jinghong Branch of Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Spring Drinking Water organized a special study and training session for its drivers. The training covered the following topics...

Since the onset of summer, temperatures have been steadily rising, and traffic accidents have also begun to increase. Why are there more traffic accidents in summer than in the other three seasons? What safety precautions should drivers take when driving during the summer? Recently, the Jinghong Branch of Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Spring Drinking Water organized a special study and training session for its drivers. The training covered the following topics:

1. Regularly check tire pressure

As air and road surface temperatures rise, tire pressure can easily increase during high-speed or long-distance driving, potentially leading to a blowout. For your safety, please pull over frequently to reduce tire pressure.

2. Exercise extreme caution while driving.

Drivers must exercise extreme caution while driving, especially when overtaking or making turns.

3. Never drive in sandals.

In an emergency, if slippers slip or fail to respond properly when you press the accelerator or brake pedal, it can easily delay your braking reaction and lead to a traffic accident.

4. Gas lighters should not be used.

Disposable gas lighters contain a plastic container that holds liquid fuel; when exposed to temperatures above 40°C, the fuel expands due to heat, causing the plastic casing to rupture and potentially explode. Although the explosive force of such lighters is relatively low, if they are stored in a vehicle alongside flammable materials or other combustibles, a single explosion could easily ignite a fire, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

                               

5. Avoid running the air conditioner for extended periods.

Vehicles equipped with air conditioning generally have good sealing performance. Most people who spend several hours in such an environment will experience dizziness, fatigue, and impaired memory. At the same time, occupants exhale large amounts of carbon dioxide, leading to a rapid depletion of oxygen inside the cabin.

6. Avoid wearing sunglasses with excessively dark lenses.

The dark tint of sunglasses can delay the time it takes for the eyes to transmit visual information to the brain, and this visual lag can distort the perception of speed, leading drivers wearing sunglasses to make incorrect judgments.

7. Never drive when fatigued or in a fit of anger.

During the hot summer months, physical exertion is high, and fatigue and drowsiness are especially common at noon, often leading to irritability. Therefore, it’s important to get enough sleep to maintain good energy levels. If you feel drowsy while driving, pull over immediately, take a short break, and resume driving only when you’re fully alert.

8. Beware of spontaneous combustion

Every summer, several vehicle fires occur. Therefore, before setting out on a trip, it is essential to inspect the vehicle’s high- and low-voltage wiring for short circuits or aging, check that all connectors are securely fastened, ensure the battery is functioning properly, and verify there are no fuel leaks. In addition, flammable and explosive items such as gas lighters should be removed promptly. It is also advisable to keep a fire extinguisher in the vehicle and to become thoroughly familiar with its operation to prepare for emergencies.

9. Avoid overeating and consuming cold drinks.

In the hot summer, drivers tend to sweat profusely, feel irritable and thirsty, and often crave cold drinks. However, some people consume large quantities at once, which is harmful to health. While driving, most of the body’s blood flows to the actively working muscles to supply nutrients and remove metabolic waste, temporarily reducing blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract. Consuming large amounts of cold treats such as ice cream at this time can cause sudden vasoconstriction in the gastrointestinal vessels, further decreasing blood flow and frequently disrupting normal physiological functions. This impairs digestion, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders.

 

So, how should drivers beat the summer heat and stay hydrated? Experts advise that in summer, drinking hot tea is preferable to consuming cold beverages. Hot tea promotes vasodilation, opens the sweat pores, relaxes the sweat glands, and facilitates perspiration, which helps dissipate internal heat. Moreover, the theine in tea has a diuretic effect; increased urination can also help carry away some of the body’s heat.

The Jinghong Branch of Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Spring Drinking Water would like to remind you: Come to work in high spirits, and return home safely. (Text and photos by Nong Xian)