Temperatures are steadily going down across the country, and there's no telling how low they could go this winter. Regardless of how many layers you bundle up in, you'll have to get used to the cold – especially if you regularly commute in the early hours of the morning or after the sun sets. <\/p>\n
Is hypothermia a real problem? <\/strong> All of this sounds pretty intense – and possibly far-fetched – but it is a real threat in the wintertime. It can be particularly dangerous for children and smaller adults, as body size does play a role in generating heat and staying warm. Even leaving someone in a car for a few minutes puts them at risk. Just as it's dangerous to leave kids or pets in a hot car under the summer sun, it's not safe to keep them out in the cold. <\/p>\n
\nYou may think that feeling the chill is just a side effect of driving in winter. However, the danger of hypothermia is real. The condition occurs when body temperature drops to an abnormally low level, causing many functions to slow down. It is also characterized by disorientation, fatigue, slower reflexes and poor muscle function, with the most serious cases eventually escalating to the loss of consciousness. <\/p>\n