September 4, 2024: In today’s fast-paced life, people often use the air conditioning (AC) in their cars to stay cool. Many individuals keep the AC running for hours while sitting in their cars to avoid the heat. However, this habit can be deadly. The car’s AC can become a silent killer, and there have been several such cases.
Recently, the bodies of a man and a woman were found in a Wagon R on Nagalwali Road in Dehradun. Police investigations revealed that both were intoxicated and had fallen asleep with the AC running inside the car. At the time of the incident, the car’s ignition was on. The cause of death for both was attributed to the AC gas and temperature.
A similar case occurred in Ghaziabad in June of this year. A 36-year-old cab driver was found dead in his Wagon R near a traffic signal in Prahlad Garhi. Police reported that the driver died of asphyxiation after falling asleep in his car with the AC running while under the influence. The cabin was filled with gas due to the AC being on all night, leading to his death from suffocation. A similar incident also happened in Noida in 2020, where a 30-year-old man died after falling asleep in his car in a basement parking with the AC running. Police attributed the death to the gas and temperature inside the car. A similar case was reported in Chennai as well.
If you sleep in a car with the AC running, be cautious:
Many people sleep in their cars with the AC running. With the windows closed, the car cabin starts to fill with gas. But how does this gas enter the cabin? To operate the AC, the car engine must remain running. Along with exhaust fumes, toxic gases like carbon monoxide are released from the engine. These gases are usually emitted in small amounts but gradually enter the cabin through any openings. When the windows are closed, these gases remain inside. Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that significantly reduces the oxygen level in the blood, leading to death by asphyxiation.
How to protect yourself:
Firstly, note that sleeping in a car is not safe. You should avoid staying in a car for extended periods. If you must sleep in the car, do not keep the windows completely closed. This will allow fresh air to circulate inside. Additionally, never drive under the influence of alcohol. It has been observed that people have died due to intoxication while driving.