Summertime Safety Tips: Don’t Leave GPS Devices & Electronics in the Sun

More and more drivers rely on navigation systems to get them where they need to go. With portable GPS devices now quite affordable, many motorists have them mounted on their windshields and dashboards. Next time your device gets you to your destination, you should think twice about leaving your GPS in the car!

Across the United States, there have been a number of reports of portable GPS devices and other electronics exploding after drivers left them in their vehicles in the sun. If you’ve entered your car during the summer, you know that it can feel like stepping into an oven. This heat can wreak havoc on GPS devices, as well as cell phones, chargers, and other personal electronic devices.

When left in the sun, electronics can absorb heat through rays that hit the car’s windshield and windows. The heat – which can reach temperatures in excess of 140 degrees – can penetrate the device’s shell and affect the lithium batteries, which may eventually catch fire and explode. Explosions can cause serious property damage, and if a person is entering the vehicle at the time, serious injuries as well. In fact, Garmin voluntarily recalled certain models of their GPS systems due to concerns over batteries that could possibly overheat and create fire hazards.

Take a look at a few pictures of damage caused by an electronic device left in the sun:

George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers would like to remind everyone about the dangers of leaving GPS devices and other electronics in a hot car. If you plan on leaving your car in the sun, make sure to unplug all electronic devices and chargers and stow them out of direct sunlight. Seeing the damage excessive heat can cause should also serve as a reminder to never leave animals or children alone in hot vehicles.