Illinois, Take That Water Bottle Out Of Your Car Immediately

Do you hear the sound of water bottles sliding all over your floorboards?

I'll be the first to admit: I'm terrible about this. My back floorboards have more plastic bottles sliding around than I care to disclose.

Now, with it being roasty-toasty summer, hopefully it would occur to you not to drink that drink since it's hot, but what else are you to do if you're thirsty and there's nothing else close by?

First Risk: You

Bacteria flourishes in hot weather. That includes inside your car water bottle. It could help to choose a BPA-free water bottle (if you haven't opened it).

With any bottle, drink the water within 2 hours of opening it and fill the bottle with a trusted source of water.

It becomes deadly. Doctors say that BPA exposure has been "linked to many health concerns, including infertility, thyroid dysfunction, various types of cancer, metabolic issues, as well as behavioral problems in children".

To stay hydrated on the go, professionals suggest getting yourself a stainless steel water bottle that's designed for hot weather and keep it clean with hot soapy water.

Second Risk: Blowing Up Your Car

Let's review science class: the water and the plastic. Even a little water in a clear plastic bottle that's left on a seat, floorboard, or wherever it's catching sunlight, can act as a magnifying glass inside your car.

Before you know it, it's on fire.

Water bottles left in your car could also cause issues with your brakes/accelerator if they're rolling around in the back and you have to slam on your brakes.

Basically: experts agree it's mostly not safe to drink bottled water that's been sitting in your car. And once you do open a water bottle for a long car drive, drink it sooner rather than later. And for sure don't leave it in your car.