ON AIR
Soaring temperatures in Cancún are affecting more than just physical health they’re also impacting behavior. Health authorities have warned that heat stress can increase irritability, impulsivity, and aggression, raising the risk of conflicts and traffic accidents, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
What are the authorities saying?
According to Héctor González Rodríguez, head of the Health Department in the municipality of Benito Juárez, extreme heat directly influences decision making behind the wheel, leading to a significant rise in traffic accidents between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
“The human body responds to excessive heat with irritability, which can result in impulsive or even violent actions. This becomes especially critical when driving or interacting in public spaces,” the municipal official explained.
How does heat affect behavior?
The phenomenon known as heat stress occurs when the body cannot properly regulate its temperature due to extreme heat. This can lead to:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Irritation, fatigue, and loss of focus
- Impaired judgment and reduced tolerance
- Aggressive or impulsive reactions to external stimuli
These symptoms worsen when people are exposed to direct sunlight, become dehydrated, or are in poorly ventilated spaces like vehicles.
Heat and traffic: why are there more crashes?
Urban studies show that extreme heat can alter risk perception, slow reflexes, and lower patience behind the wheel factors that combine to increase the likelihood of traffic accidents.
In Cancún, the Health Department has recorded a spike in reports of crashes, altercations, and road rage incidents during peak heat hours. Extreme weather conditions act as a psychological trigger.
Recommendations to avoid heat-related risks
Authorities recommend the public:
- Avoid driving or physical activity between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Stay hydrated and seek shade or cool, ventilated areas
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure
- Recognize signs of irritability to prevent impulsive reactions
Heatwaves are not only a physical health threat they also impact social behavior and traffic safety. The link between extreme temperatures and negative emotional responses should be taken seriously by authorities, citizens, and drivers, especially in cities like Cancún, where heat is a constant factor. Prevention starts with self care and collective awareness.
- What is heat stress? A physical and mental condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- When are accidents most likely? Primarily between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Does heat affect decision-making? Yes. It can trigger impulsivity, irritability, and aggression.
- What are officials recommending? Avoid sun exposure, stay hydrated, and seek shade or ventilated areas.
- Who issued the warning? Héctor González Rodríguez, Health Director of Benito Juárez (Cancún).