Carbon monoxide poisoning — Rhode Island Permit Test

Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen any time, but especially in cold weather when all the windows are closed.

In winter, drivers seal the car up tight, and exhaust that leaks in has nowhere to go.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur anytime but especially during cold weather when motorists have all their windows closed.

Yawning, dizziness or nausea while driving can be symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The gas makes a driver sleepy, and one who blames it on a long day keeps breathing it.

If you begin to yawn or feel dizzy or nauseous, you may be experiencing the symptoms of the poisoning.

A leaking muffler can let carbon monoxide into the inside of the vehicle.

Exhaust is supposed to leave out the back, and a hole in the muffler lets it seep up into the car.

A leaking muffler can allow escaping carbon monoxide to enter the interior of the vehicle.

Carbon monoxide fumes have no smell, and the only cure is to open the windows and let fresh air circulate.

Since you cannot smell the gas, waiting for a whiff of exhaust before acting means waiting too long.

The fumes are odorless, and the only cure is to open your windows and allow fresh air to circulate within your vehicle.

Having the exhaust system checked regularly, and not idling for a long time with the windows closed, can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

A car left idling with the windows up, say while waiting in a cold lot, fills with gas that can kill.

Having your exhaust system checked periodically as well as not idling your vehicle with the windows closed for a long period of time may avoid the effects of CM poisoning.

When is carbon monoxide poisoning in a car especially likely?

Cold weather with the windows closed. In winter, drivers seal the car up tight, and exhaust that leaks in has nowhere to go. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.47: “Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur anytime but especially during cold weather when motorists have all their windows closed.”