Driving from one state to another can be far and tiring. If you drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, the journey may take up to 4 to 6 hours. Therefore, it is common for drivers to make multiple stops at gas stations to rest and catch a bit of shuteye in their vehicle if they feel drowsy after driving for a few hours.
Sleeping in the car may seem convenient at times and not be seen as harmful. But note that it is dangerous to sleep in the car with the engine running. Last year, we heard about the tragic passing of 3 college students after sleeping in their car with the engine running at a petrol station.
Sleeping in the car with the air-conditioner running can be dangerous and even life-threatening. After reading this article, you may want to think again if you plan to take a nap in your car.
How can people die when sleeping in the car?
The primary cause of death while sleeping in a car is carbon monoxide. This gas is a colourless, odourless gas released when burning fuels, such as coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas, and fuel oil. It usually dissipates quickly in the open air but is harmful to human health when it accumulates in enclosed areas. For instance, a parked car left running with all its windows closed.
The gas kills when a large amount of it binds to our red blood cells and displaces oxygen which eventually suffocates our body from an adequate oxygen supply. Unfortunately, we cannot see, smell or hear the gas going through our bodies as we breathe it in. People sleeping in a car may die from carbon monoxide poisoning without ever experiencing symptoms.
But people who are awake may experience common symptoms including headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, confusion, and seizure.
The longer a person inhales the gas, the worse the symptoms. Furthermore, losing consciousness can happen within two hours if there is a lot of carbon monoxide in the air.
Is it okay to sleep in the car with the windows rolled down to allow air circulation?
Some might argue that keeping the windows open might prevent carbon monoxide accumulation. However, note that it will help only partially. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), sleeping in the car is never a safe bet, even with the windows rolled down.
This is as some of the air is entrapped in the circulation process, causing the level of carbon monoxide to increase and the oxygen level to decrease. Suffocation can happen as the same air is recirculated inside the car.
You are advised to leave the car and take a nap at a safe spot with good air circulation.
What should you do if you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
If you suspect a leak and experience any of the symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, confusion, and seizure, please do the following:
- Stop your engine, or drive to the nearest rest area (if you are driving)
- Open doors and windows to ventilate your vehicle
- Step outside and get fresh air immediately
Call 999 and inform them that you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Please do not ignore the symptoms as they could become severe and harm you.
How can you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
Although carbon monoxide is unseen and odourless, it is still entirely preventable. The best way to prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning is to prevent exposure in the first place:
- Never leave your vehicle engine running when parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space. Even if you roll down your windows or open the garage door, carbon monoxide can reach dangerous levels in the vehicle.
- Regularly check and inspect your car exhaust system. Leakage in the exhaust system can allow carbon monoxide to enter your vehicle.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your car as a safety precaution. Since we are limited by our senses, the only way to be safe is to install a detector.
- Fix your car, even after a minor accident. Any damage or hole in your vehicle may allow more fume to enter the car through passenger compartments.
Always put your safety first
Based on the information that we have shared, we hope that it helps raise your awareness of the danger of sleeping in the car with the engine running. So the next time you think of sleeping in your car, think again. If you are tired, you may want to consider checking into a hotel. But if you really need to nap in your car, find a safe area, turn off the engine and roll down the windows slightly to ensure the cabin is well ventilated.
Remember, safety always comes first.
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