Faced with a persistent heatwave sending temperatures soaring past 40 °C across several provinces, road safety institutions are stepping up public awareness efforts. A sweeping national prevention campaign has been launched to urge motorists toward extreme caution and strict adherence to safety protocols throughout the summer season.
Organized jointly by the National Road Safety Delegation (DNSR), the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), Civil Protection, and the National Gendarmerie’s “Tariki” road service, this initiative aims to deliver a safer summer. Organizers emphasize that high temperatures do not merely stress vehicles; they severely impact a driver’s physical and cognitive faculties.
Experts note that during intense heatwaves, elevated temperatures accelerate fatigue, lower alertness, impair concentration, and delay reaction times behind the wheel—factors that combined significantly heighten accident risks, particularly during long journeys to coastal or resort destinations.
Security services advise motorists to conduct a full vehicle inspection before embarking on trips. Special emphasis is placed on tire pressure, which should be checked when tires are cold. Extreme ambient heat combined with road friction causes air inside tires to expand, raising the risk of high-speed blowouts.
Drivers must also routinely check engine coolant levels and verify that the cooling system and radiator fan are functioning properly. Authorities caution against removing radiator caps while the engine is hot, as pressurized boiling fluid can erupt and inflict severe burns.
Furthermore, officials warn against leaving hazardous items inside vehicles parked in direct sunlight. Lighters, perfumes, aerosol cans, power banks, cell phones, chargers, and pressurized bottles can degrade or explode under extreme internal temperatures. Finally, every motorist is advised to verify the presence of an operational fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit on board to handle emergencies swiftly before first responders arrive.