Home / Environment / Drivers Told to Steer Clear of Drive-Thrus as Air Quality Alerts Spread Across US
Drivers Told to Steer Clear of Drive-Thrus as Air Quality Alerts Spread Across US
29 Jul
Summary
- Millions of drivers urged to avoid drive-thru lanes to improve air quality
- Wildfire smoke and ozone levels causing poor air quality in Minnesota and Texas
- Pollution linked to 100,000 deaths per year in the US
In the past few days, authorities have issued a series of air quality alerts across parts of the United States, urging drivers to avoid using drive-thru lanes in a bid to improve air quality. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported poor air quality in Minnesota and Texas, with the situation being exacerbated by wildfire smoke in Minnesota and high ozone levels in Texas.
Experts have warned that pollution is a major public health concern, with a 2020 study revealing that it leads to around 100,000 deaths each year in the US. The NWS has advised residents, particularly those with conditions like asthma or heart disease, to limit outdoor activities and reduce vehicle emissions as much as possible. Authorities have suggested that drivers leave their cars at home, use public transport, or carpool to help mitigate the impact on the environment.
The air quality alerts are expected to remain in place until the situation improves, and residents are advised to closely monitor local forecasts for the latest updates.
