Skip to main content [Accesskey 'S'] Go to home page [Accesskey '1'] Are you a business customer?

AA Yellow Heat Warning

Yellow heat warning: parents and dog owners more wary but AA attends up to five dangerous car lock-outs each day

  • In 27°C sun a car’s interior can reach 60°C
  • After extreme heat of 2022, more dog owners refuse to carry animals in cars on hot days
  • Two-thirds careful not to walk them on scorching pavements and tarmac

    • 24 June 2024

    With yellow heat warnings issued for most of the UK, The AA reiterates its warning not to leave children or pets in the car when unattended even for short periods.

    Summer

     

    AA research has shown that drivers who carry children and pets in their cars have become conscious of the threat of their vehicles being turned into ovens on hot days. However, the AA is having to rescue car occupants locked in dangerously hot cars as many as five times a day.

    "Be aware of the dangers and never leave children, the elderly and animals in over-heated vehicles. Be smart and plan journeys accordingly."
    Edmund King, AA President

    The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat warnings for the early part of this week (Heat health alerts | UKHSA data dashboard) :

    The AA offers the following advice:

  • Drivers with occupants vulnerable to severe heat should plan their journeys for cooler parts of the day
  • Carrying extra water, at least one litre per person, and the means to create shade, such as sun screens or even just towels, is a wise precaution
  • Keeping the vehicle well ventilated and seeking shade, such as a covered car park, while allowing occupants to wait under the shade of trees or covered areas will be more comfortable
  • Create a deliberate routine for ensuring that car keys remain on the driver’s person and not locked in the car
  • Tyres are more susceptible to blow-outs on hot roads as are engines overheating. Check tyre pressures in cooler times of the day. Be diligent with vehicle cooling systems and seek advice from a mechanic if unsure.

    • Following the extreme heat of 2022 (2022_03_july_heatwave_v1 (metoffice.gov.uk)), the AA surveyed 2,538 of its members who have dogs and transport them animals in the cars:

    1. I have a dog I transport in the car and the hot summer of 2022 caused me a lot of concern – 22.5%

    2. I have a dog I transport in the car and, following the extreme heat of 2022, I am taking more in-car precautions to protect the animal (extra water, air con, time left in the car, etc) – 42.2%

    3. I have a dog I transport in the car and have decided to not carry it in the car when temperatures become extreme (around 30o Centigrade/85o Fahrenheit or higher) - 28.2%

    4. I have a dog I transport in the car and the record temperatures of 2022 convinced me not to carry it in the car during hot summer weather – 18.4%

    5. I have a dog I transport in the car and whether or not I drive a long distance will be dictated by the heat and my safety concerns for the animal – 35.3%

    6. I have a dog and have become more careful when walking it on very hot road/pavement surfaces – 65.1%

    Edmund King, AA president, said: “High temperatures can be dangerous if you breakdown or get stuck in congestion. Ensure you have enough fuel or electric charge to keep your air-conditioning running. Severe heat could cause considerable problems for many older vehicles without air-conditioning or recent servicing, with both the car and occupants over-heating. Driving outside the hottest part of the day is advisable.

    “Be aware of the dangers and never leave children, the elderly and animals in over-heated vehicles. Be smart and plan journeys accordingly, be careful and keep car keys on your person, and be prepared should you have to stop for an extended period in the sun.

    “If your car breaks down when temperatures are high, it’s even more important than usual that we get to you as quickly as we can. The quickest way for our members to report a breakdown is through the AA breakdown app.

    “Knowing your exaction location is vital to us, so downloading the what3words app (w3w) and reporting your unique w3w location can help us to reach you faster. Try to wait in the shade in a safe place.

    “Carry plenty of water – at least one litre per person travelling. Keeping yourself and other occupants hydrated can help lower body temperatures in hot weather. If the worst should happen, you can keep yourself and those with you topped up with cool water while waiting for help to arrive.”