Why sleeping in your car can be deadly: Dubai police issues warning

Dubai: Whether you are waiting for someone or taking a short nap in your car after a long journey, you might leave the engine running. However, this can be extremely dangerous, as a ‘silent killer’ - carbon monoxide, could seep into your vehicle.

To raise awareness on carbon monoxide poisoning in cars, Dubai Police posted a video on Wednesday, November 6, on its official social media channels, highlighting simple steps to prevent this hazard.

According to Dubai Police, carbon monoxide is a lethal gas that can infiltrate your car and cause death within 45 minutes. This can happen if you sleep in the car with the air-conditioning on or leave the engine running for long, as it is in an enclosed space, like a parking garage. Carbon monoxide rapidly contaminates the bloodstream, and it is difficult to detect since it is both colourless and odourless.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can also occur in the following situations:

- if there are issues with the exhaust system
- unauthorised modifications have been made to the exhaust system, which are sometimes done to boost the vehicle's power or sound.
- If you have an old vehicle that is poorly maintained

All the conditions listed above allow toxic gases to leak into the car through the ventilation or air conditioning system.

According to Dubai Police, here is what you should do:

1. Never leave the car running while you sleep with the windows shut.
2. Make sure the exhaust system is in good condition and has not been altered and your vehicles go through regular maintenance.

3. Exit the vehicle immediately if you feel the following symptoms:
• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• loss of balance