Heat wave prompts safety and health advice across Europe

heat wave vehicle safety electrolyte balance dehydration heat stroke

European authorities and health experts issued a series of recommendations as an intense heat wave grips the region. The Automobile and Motorists Safety Service (AMSS) urged drivers to inspect vehicle cooling systems and fluid levels before long trips, avoid turning the air‑conditioning to maximum immediately, and stop every two hours in shade to let engines cool. The service also noted that the summer heat has intensified traffic congestion on corridor 10, creating bottlenecks at many border crossings.

Medical professionals highlighted the importance of electrolyte balance. Nutritionists advise increasing salty food intake to prevent hyponatremia, a condition that can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea and muscle cramps. They also recommend consuming high‑water‑content fruits and vegetables—watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, berries—and light, easily digestible proteins. Dr. Charlotte Mills added that water consumption should rise above the usual six‑to‑eight glasses per day, and that water‑rich foods contribute significantly to overall hydration.

Dr. Tijana Petrović warned that heat‑related illnesses can progress to heat stroke, defined by a body temperature above 40 °C, which is life‑threatening and requires immediate medical care. For better sleep during hot nights, researchers suggest a warm bath before bedtime, which helps lower core temperature after exiting the water. Together, these measures aim to reduce vehicle breakdowns, dehydration, and serious health risks during the prolonged heat wave.

Entities: Automobile and Motorists Safety Service (AMSS) · Croatia · Dr. Charlotte Mills · Dr. Tijana Petrović · European corridor 10 · Mirela Marić · Norway · Serbia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] AMSS recommends checking vehicle cooling system and fluid levels before long summer trips. (AMSS)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Hyponatremia can cause headache, fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps. (Health experts)
[○ 1 SOURCE] AMSS advises stopping the vehicle every two hours in shade to prevent overheating. (AMSS)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Consuming salty foods during extreme heat helps prevent hyponatremia. (Health experts)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dr. Charlotte Mills states that water intake should increase beyond typical recommendations during heat waves, and that water‑rich foods contribute to hydration. (Charlotte Mills)
[● 2 SOURCES] Nutritionist Mirela Marić recommends eating high‑water‑content fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, and tomatoes during heat waves. (Mirela Marić)
[○ 1 SOURCE] High summer temperatures have caused traffic congestion on European corridor 10. (AMSS)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dr. Tijana Petrović warns that heat stroke, defined by body temperature over 40 °C, is life‑threatening and requires immediate medical attention. (Tijana Petrović)