OFTEN motorists are advised to pull over and have a short nap when feeling tired from prolonged hours on the road.
But this should always be accompanied by a proviso that the driver should NEVER fall asleep in a stationary car with the engine running and windows up.
Such a timely reminder shared by amal | servis kereta di AZ Motorsport (@amalmnop) on his X account underlined just why drivers should not do this.
Sharing a public service announcement by the Health Ministry (MOH), the poster advised that inhaling carbon monoxide (CO) fumes could be fatal, especially if there was a leakage in the vehicle’s cooling coil system.
The MOH’s public service reminder drew attention to the fact that exhaust fumes could leak into the passenger cabin. Given that carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, the driver will not be aware that they are inhaling noxious fumes.
It goes on to explain that carbon monoxide decreases the blood’s ability to bring oxygen to the body cells leading to organ damage or even death when exposed to high levels of this toxic gas.
Quite pertinently, it also dismisses the notion that leaving the windows slightly ajar may alleviate the problem. It advises motorists to find a suitable spot to stop, rest and refresh, preferably where there is good circulation of fresh air.
One netizen asked to explain why driving for prolonged hours was fine but not sleeping in a stationary car.
The poster duly obliged citing air circulation as the main factor.
Another asked if this was applicable to electric vehicles (EV).
The poster suggested it was definitely safer given EV cars “have no combustion engine nor exhaust pipe, hence no CO” but there was the risk of car batteries catching fire!
Others just saw this as another reason to switch to EVs for those who frequently sleep in their car.
One netizen was grateful for the warning as he frequently felt drowsy when driving on highways. He will now look for surau instead to catch some shut eye.
One netizen suggested that R&R (rest & relaxation) stops have the necessary facilities to allow motorists to get some rest.
He pointed to the massage chairs inside cubicles in malls and suggested longer rental periods. These R&Rs can generate revenue while allowing motorists to have naps and avoid nasty accidents from dozing off at the wheel.
With year-end holidays approaching, many families will take to the highways for the annual road trips.
All too often, less-than-alert drivers dozing off can cause major mishaps on the roads as the annual road accident data attest to.
So don’t just pull over and nap. Find an appropriate spot with plenty of circulation to rejuvenate the senses before continuing on your journey. – Dec 2, 2024
Main image credit: SYOK
