heatwave driving safety canary islands

Heatwave driving warnings issued for Canary Islands

Heatwave prompts urgent driving safety warning

The episode of high temperatures affecting the Canary Islands since the middle of the week is not only a reason to take extra care outdoors – it also calls for caution behind the wheel. With thermometers set to reach 37 degrees in Tenerife this Sunday and approaching or exceeding 40 degrees in parts of Gran Canaria, health authorities are reminding drivers of the importance of adopting a series of measures to stay safe on the road.

High temperatures can cause tiredness, dehydration, loss of concentration and even heatstroke – all factors that increase the risk of being involved in a traffic accident. With this in mind, the Canary Islands Health Department (Consejería de Sanidad del Gobierno de Canarias) has issued a set of recommendations for anyone planning to travel by car over the coming days.

Cool the car before setting off

One of the first pieces of advice is to ventilate and cool the interior of the car before starting a journey. When a vehicle has been parked in the sun, the temperature inside the cabin can rise rapidly to levels far higher than those outside.

Motorists are also advised to use a sun visor in the windscreen when the car is parked, to reduce heat build-up on the dashboard and seats, and to fit a steering wheel cover to avoid burns to the hands and make driving more comfortable.

Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals

The Health Department stresses the need to drink water frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty, particularly on longer journeys. It also advises against eating heavy meals before driving, as these can bring on drowsiness and make driving feel more burdensome during spells of intense heat.

Check your vehicle before travelling

Before setting out on a trip, it is also worth checking the condition of the car. Recommendations include checking the water level and carrying out general maintenance, as high temperatures put extra strain on mechanical components and can lead to breakdowns.

Drivers are also encouraged to wear approved sunglasses, which help reduce glare and improve visibility during the brightest hours of the day.

Never leave children or animals in parked cars

One of the most important recommendations is never to leave children or animals inside the vehicle, even for a few minutes. With temperatures like those currently being recorded across the Canary Islands, the interior of a parked car can heat up very quickly and reach dangerously high levels, even with the windows partially open.

Heat alerts remain in force

These recommendations come at the tail end of the heat episode affecting the islands. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts temperatures of up to 37 degrees in Tenerife this Sunday, particularly in mid-altitude areas and south and south-east facing slopes, while in Gran Canaria thermometers could locally exceed 40 degrees.

The heat will also be intense in La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, where highs of more than 35 degrees are expected in various locations. The Canary Islands Government has kept heat alerts active and is urging everyone to take extra precautions to reduce the risks associated with this weather episode.

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