UAE drivers warned against sleeping in cars

Abu Dhabi - Don't sleep in cars or leave your children inside for a long time.

Motorists have been warned against sleeping in cars or locking children inside vehicles for many hours, to avoid the risks of suffocation.

The Department of Forensic Medicine at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department on Tuesday said sleeping in a vehicle for a long time and with all windows rolled up can result into one inhaling carbon monoxide (CO) leaking from the car exhaust which could lead to death.

"Sleeping in the car with windows half-rolled or fully rolled up and while the engine is operating is dangerous as you can easily take in toxic carbon monoxide that accumulates in the car cabin," said a statement from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

"We have sent out awareness messages to vehicle owners telling them to avoid sleeping in cars and not to leave children inside for a long time when the car engine is operating especially indoors, to avoid toxic poisoning."

The forensic experts explained that carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas and a 'silent killer'. "CO is very dangerous. Because of it being colourless and odorless, it cannot easily be detected especially when a person is sleeping," said the experts.

"Its inhalation makes the person to feel sleepier. And when one inhales more and more carbon monoxide, it causes shortness in breath and can lead to shock and in severe cases sudden death."

The idea of parking a car and taking a long nap or a quick rest during people's lunch break or during a long journey is a regular habit for some motorists. But the authorities have urged people to stop it and to instead take short breaks by getting out of the car when driving for long distances.

Authorities said there have been many cases of children and old people dying of suffocation after sleeping in cars for many hours.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi