When the Heat Becomes a Road Hazard: How Las Vegas Summers Can Contribute to Crashes

With temperatures regularly climbing into triple digits, the extreme desert environment can put extraordinary stress on the vehicles traveling Southern Nevada’s busy roads and freeways.

And when a mechanical failure happens at 70 miles per hour, a breakdown can quickly become a crash.

The Nevada Department of Transportation says its Freeway Service Patrol sees an average 20 percent increase in roadway incidents and disabled vehicles during the summer months, often because motorists have not properly prepared their vehicles for warmer weather.

One of the biggest concerns is tires.

Extreme heat can increase the risk of tire failure, particularly when tires are underinflated, worn or already damaged. AAA notes that underinflated tires generate additional heat as they roll, increasing the possibility of a blowout—an especially serious problem when a vehicle is traveling at freeway speeds.

A sudden blowout can cause a driver to lose steering control, veer into another lane or collide with another vehicle. In heavy Las Vegas traffic, the consequences can be significant.

The pavement itself compounds the problem. AAA has noted that road surfaces can become extraordinarily hot during extreme summer conditions, placing additional stress on tires and other components.

Batteries are another weak point. Heat accelerates the deterioration of automotive batteries, shortening their useful life and potentially resulting in sudden failure. AAA says extreme heat can reduce a battery's lifespan from the typical three to five years to as little as two years.

Then there is the engine.

Cooling systems—including radiators, thermostats, water pumps, belts and hoses—work harder when outside temperatures are extreme. If a cooling-system component is already worn or compromised, the heat can push it past its limits, resulting in overheating or mechanical failure.

Sam Ryan Heidari, owner and personal injury attorney with the Heidari Law Group stated "for motorists, the high temperatures create a dangerous scenario. A vehicle that suddenly overheats, loses power or develops a tire problem on a busy freeway can become an unexpected obstacle for surrounding drivers. A driver attempting to maneuver around a disabled vehicle can create a secondary collision, particularly during rush hour or in congested construction zones".

The problem is particularly relevant in Southern Nevada because motorists may find themselves stranded in extreme temperatures. The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada has warned that a simple flat tire or stalled vehicle can quickly become an emergency during extreme heat.

Extreme heat can contribute to fatigue, dehydration, irritability and reduced concentration. Someone who has spent hours in a hot vehicle—or who is already dehydrated—may have slower reactions and impaired judgment.

This becomes particularly important when combined with other common driving risks such as speeding, distracted driving or alcohol consumption.

NDOT recommends checking tire pressure and tread, inspecting belts and hoses, checking oil and other fluids, and making sure batteries and brakes are in good condition before summer travel.

AAA recommends a similar approach: inspect tires for cracking, bulges and uneven wear; have an aging battery tested; and pay attention to warning lights, unusual smells, rising engine temperatures or signs of leaking fluids.

"For Las Vegas drivers, preventative maintenance isn't simply about avoiding an inconvenient roadside breakdown. In extreme heat, maintaining a vehicle can be an important part of highway safety. A tire blowout, overheated engine or sudden loss of power may begin as a mechanical problem—but on a crowded freeway, it can quickly become a collision involving multiple vehicles. We definitely see an increase in car accidents this time of year, many with substantial injuries due to heat related accidents" says Sam Ryan Heidari. "And in a city where summer temperatures can push well beyond 100 degrees, the heat is a factor that drivers—and their vehicles—cannot afford to ignore."