Lubbock summers are dry, hot, and getting hotter. This extreme heat puts people at risk—especially when driving. In this blog, we’ll explain why Lubbock’s weather is dangerous, how heat affects your body and your car, and what you can do to stay safe.
2024 Broke Every Heat Record Lubbock Ever Set
Lubbock has a dry climate that regularly hits 100 degrees in summer. Some years are worse than others, with record heat becoming more common. In 2024, Lubbock had its hottest year on record.
Since 1914, Lubbock has had 19 summers with 20 or more days over 100°F. The summer of 2011 had 48 days of extreme heat, and 2023 came close with 46. This shows a clear trend of hotter and longer summers.
Experts rate extreme heat as Lubbock’s biggest climate risk. ClimateCheck gave Lubbock a 92 out of 100 for heat risk. That means the chance of dangerous heat days will keep rising.
Heat Makes Car Crashes More Likely
Hot weather increases the risk of serious car accidents. Studies show fatal crashes go up by 9.5% when temps rise above 80°F. That’s a big jump caused by heat-related issues.
Drivers are more likely to crash when they’re tired, hot, or not thinking clearly. Extreme heat affects reaction time and focus. These are common causes of wrecks during Lubbock summers.
Fatal crashes are 9.5% higher when temperatures exceed 80°F.
Your Brain Actually Stops Getting Enough Oxygen in Extreme Heat
When your body gets too hot, your mind doesn’t think clearly. Heat can slow reaction time and lead to poor driving decisions. It also causes mood changes like irritability or impulsiveness.
As your body works to cool down, it pulls blood away from your brain. That makes it harder for your brain to get the oxygen it needs. You may feel confused, dizzy, or lightheaded.
Watch for Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion. This happens when your body loses too much water and salt through sweat. Signs include:
- Headache
- Feeling lightheaded or faint
- Nausea
- Clammy skin
- Fast heartbeat
If heat exhaustion gets worse, it can turn into heatstroke. This is very serious and happens when the body reaches 104°F. Signs include:
- Hot, dry skin
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Heatstroke causes cell and organ damage if not treated fast. In some cases, it can lead to death. Always take signs of overheating seriously.
Some People Are at Greater Risk
Certain groups are more likely to get sick from the heat. Outdoor workers, babies, older adults, and people with health issues may struggle to stay cool. Some medications also make people more sensitive to high temperatures.
Heat Hurts Your Car Too
Extreme heat can cause car trouble. Engines work harder, and if they overheat, your car may break down. You could get stranded without a way to escape the heat.
Tire blowouts are more common in hot weather. Heat expands the air inside the tire and raises pressure. Worn or poorly inflated tires are more likely to fail.
Heat can also damage car parts like hoses, belts, and batteries. Fluids may evaporate or break down faster. This can lead to long-term wear and early repairs.
The Life-Saving Tips Every Lubbock Driver Must Know for Staying Safe in the Heat
Lubbock summers are hot, but you can stay safe with a little planning. Pay attention to the heat and take steps to protect yourself and your car. Here are some things you can do:
Plan for the Heat
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear light clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.
- Make sure your car’s coolant is full.
- Check tire pressure and condition.
- Replace worn tires and parts before summer.
Limit Sun Exposure
Shade is one of the best ways to stay safe in the heat. It keeps your body cooler and helps prevent your car from turning into an oven. Cracking the windows or using a sunshade can also help lower the inside temperature.
Even on an 80°F day, a car’s interior can reach 109°F in just 20 minutes. It may take 5 to 15 minutes for the AC to cool things down. That heat can be dangerous before it ever gets better.
Seek shade as much as possible to protect both yourself and your vehicle from extreme heat.
Cool Down Fast If You Feel Sick
If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, act quickly:
- Move them to a cooler place, like shade or an air-conditioned area.
- Place a cold cloth on their neck or wrists and have them sip cool water.
The faster you lower body temperature, the better. In serious cases, soaking in cold water is the quickest way to cool down. Don’t wait—heat illness can become dangerous fast.
Heat Makes Summer Driving in Lubbock Riskier
Heat Makes Summer Driving in Lubbock RiskierDon’t let Lubbock’s brutal heat turn your next drive into a dangerous gamble. Right now, you have the knowledge to protect yourself and your family from heat-related crashes and breakdowns. Choose one safety step from this guide—check your tire pressure, stock extra water, or simply plan your trips for cooler hours—and put it into action today. Because when you’re prepared for the heat, you’re not just surviving another scorching Lubbock summer. You’re driving with confidence, arriving safely at every destination, and protecting the people who matter most to you. Your next trip starts with the choices you make right now.
Texas Heat Could Cause Defective Airbags To Explode
Airbags typically make us feel a little safer when we’re driving on our commute to work or just down the street to get groceries. Unfortunately, there are times where airbags are found to be defective and could actually do more harm to us than good. For some Dallas residents, the risks associated with defective airbags are becoming a harsh reality.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), high Texas temperatures can actually cause the recalled Takata brand airbags to explode once deployed. This is due to the increased amount of heat and humidity in the air, which acts as a chemical propellant within the airbags and causes them to explode. An estimated 45,000 vehicles in the Dallas area still contain recalled airbags, which can explode shrapnel into drivers, already linking them to 23 known deaths worldwide.
North Texas auto dealers launched an airbag defect awareness campaign urging drivers to be alert and to get Takata airbags replaced as soon as possible. Moe Sami, manager of a local auto dealership backs up NHTSA’s information, stating, “Airbags, compressors, radiators, AC hoses—we see more hoses blow because it’s just too hot for these parts to handle the job,” and that “With the heat, it speeds up that process. There’s fluid in it that helps it ignite.”
Takata airbags have been responsible for the one of the largest auto industry safety recalls in history. The majority of auto manufacturers placed the defective airbags in vehicles between 2003 and 2013.
NHTSA has a full section its website dedicated to the Takata recall. To determine if your airbag is included in the recall, simply type in your vehicle identification number. Luckily, getting a replacement is free and easy at any dealership.
Automotive defects can endanger everyone on the roads—not just vehicle occupants, but also those driving alongside them. If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident and you suspect a faulty auto part was to blame, contact the Lubbock auto products liability attorneys at Liggett Law Group today for a free consultation.
If a heat-related accident happens, Liggett Law Group is here to help. Call us for a free consultation and get the support you need.