Motoring Echo | Driver Safety | Summer Driving
As soaring Summer temperatures continue across the UK, motorists are being urged to think beyond keeping themselves cool to ensure essential prescription medication is protected from the heat and remains easily accessible on every journey.
Leading breakdown provider Start Rescue is warning that leaving medication inside a hot vehicle can significantly reduce its effectiveness, potentially putting both a driver’s health and road safety at risk.
With around one in four UK adults relying on prescription medication, the company says even a relatively minor roadside breakdown could become a far more serious situation if vital medicines are inaccessible or have been damaged by excessive temperatures.
Heat Can Affect Medication
Many commonly prescribed medicines—including inhalers, insulin, tablets and EpiPens—are sensitive to high temperatures and should always be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
During periods of extreme heat, the interior of a parked vehicle can become significantly hotter than the outside temperature within minutes, making it an unsuitable place to leave medication for extended periods.
Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue, said:
“It is essential to drink plenty of liquids and be aware of feeling dizzy or dehydrated before or during driving. Combine hot weather with an unexpected delay such as a breakdown or traffic jam, and it’s essential drivers take medication with them whether it’s a short or long journey.”
Plan Ahead Before Setting Off
Drivers are also advised to carefully plan when taking medication before travelling and to avoid exposing medicines to direct sunlight while on the move.
For longer journeys, insulated medication bags or cool storage containers can help maintain safe temperatures where appropriate.
Lee Puffett added:
“Try to time taking prescription medication well before you set off. If you don’t have cool storage in the car, think about keeping medicines in an insulated bag or box and out of direct sunlight. Most importantly, if you don’t feel well while driving, pull over somewhere safe and seek medical advice immediately.”
He continued:
“Even a breakdown close to home can leave a driver too far from immediate access to their medication, especially if it needs to be taken at a particular time. With the added anxiety of dealing with a broken-down vehicle, potentially serious health issues can be avoided with just a little forward planning.”
Motoring Echo Top Tips: Keeping Medication Safe in Hot Weather
✔ Carry Medication With You
Never leave essential prescription medicines inside a parked vehicle. Take them with you whenever possible.
✔ Use an Insulated Storage Bag
A small insulated pouch or cool bag can help maintain a safer temperature during longer journeys.
✔ Stay Hydrated
Heat and dehydration can worsen existing medical conditions and affect concentration behind the wheel.
✔ Read Storage Instructions
Always follow the temperature guidance supplied with your medication, particularly for insulin, inhalers and injectable medicines.
✔ Prepare for Delays
Unexpected traffic congestion or breakdowns can leave motorists stranded for hours. Carry water, snacks, a phone charger and enough medication for the journey.
✔ Know When to Stop
If you begin to feel dizzy, unwell or dehydrated while driving, pull over safely as soon as possible and seek medical assistance if required.
Start Rescue’s Award-Winning Reputation
Part of the Call Assist family, Start Rescue provides breakdown cover throughout the UK and Europe and has established one of the industry’s strongest customer satisfaction records.
Its achievements include:
- Seven consecutive years as a Which? Recommended Provider
- Which? Trusted Trader accreditation
- A 4.7-star Trustpilot rating
- 5-Star Defaqto rating for its three-star breakdown policy
- Named Best Breakdown Cover Provider in the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024, achieving an impressive 4.9 out of 5 overall satisfaction score and a 94% customer recommendation rate.
Motoring Echo Verdict
Summer driving isn’t just about checking coolant levels and tyre pressures. As temperatures climb, ensuring prescription medication remains cool, effective and within easy reach could prove just as important as any mechanical preparation. A few moments of planning before setting off could help prevent a roadside inconvenience from becoming a medical emergency.
- You can visit the StartRescue website here: http://www.startrescue.co.uk/
