Cars, school buses and trucks can trigger asthma. Potential allergens and irritants lurk inside and outside motor vehicles. What can you do to breathe easy when you’re on the go?
We spoke with Indy Race Car Driver James Roe, Jr. He has lived with asthma since childhood growing up in Ireland. He currently represents Turn 3 Motorsport in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship series running alongside the NTT Indy Car series.
James serves as Brand Ambassador for Allergy & Asthma Network. Here are his 4 tips to stay safe when in and around motor vehicles.
![car exhaust pipe Photo of Combustion fumes coming out of car exhaust pipe](https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/car_exhaust.jpeg)
Steer clear of idling vehicles
Avoid tailpipe exhaust from cars, trucks and buses when possible. Vehicle exhaust contains tiny particulate matter such as soot. When inhaled, these particles can worsen asthma.
![windows controls and adjustments. Car window controls Photo of car window controls](https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/car_window_button.jpg)
Roll up the windows
Check for ozone and air quality alerts at www.airnow.gov. On days with high ozone and poor air quality, keep car windows rolled up. Turn on the air conditioner to recirculate clean air.
![Man Hoovering Seat Of Car During Car Cleaning Photo of vacuuming Seat Of Car During](https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/vacuum_carseat.jpg)
Keep your car clean
Vacuum inside your car regularly to remove pollen, dust and dirt brought in on your clothes and shoes. Don’t allow smoking – a common asthma trigger – in your car.
![Start Engine Photo of Woman hand hold car key ready to start engine](https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/car_key_hand.jpg)
Turn off your car engine when idle
When you park your car, or if you’re not driving your car for a minute or longer, be sure to turn off the engine. This can help reduce harmful ozone and particulate matter pollution.
Reviewed by Eileen Censullo, RRT