The death of a 20 year old Bayham resident has prompted a warning from the OPP and Office of the Chief Coroner.
The OPP say that on February 15th, the Oxford County Detachment responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle at an address in Ingersoll.
Officers arrived and located an unresponsive individual inside the vehicle that was parked in the parking lot of a business.
The driver, a 20 year old female from Bayham was pronounced dead at the scene, however the death is not being treated as suspicious and no foul play is suspected.
As a result of an investigation, this particular incident has prompted a warning from the OPP as they remind motorists about the dangers of sitting inside a running vehicle for extended periods of time.
In older vehicles, small leaks can develop in the exhaust system, leading to a potentially deadly build-up of carbon monoxide in the interior of the vehicle. Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and even death.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
-In situations where you’ve gone off the road in a winter storm, make periodic checks to ensure your tailpipe is free of snow while you await rescue.
-On vehicles that are more than 5 years old, have a mechanic check the exhaust system of your car or truck every year. A small leak in the exhaust system can lead to a buildup of CO inside the car.
-Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house even with the garage door open. Always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when you run a car or truck inside.
Following the above tips will help ensure you remain safe in your vehicle.
