Collier County delivery drivers brave dangerous heat advisory

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Thousands of delivery drivers across Southwest Florida are working through a heat advisory with few options to escape the dangerous temperatures.

The U.S. Labor Bureau says more than 109,000 delivery and sales drivers work across Florida. Whether delivering groceries, packages or takeout, drivers constantly move between air-conditioned cars and stifling heat.

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Safety experts at SAIF say the constant physical activity combined with high temperatures can quickly increase the risk of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Instacart driver Pete Spagnuolo said even a short stop can turn into a blast of heat.

"It's pretty hot. I mean, you can feel the heat coming through the window. I mean, if you don't get your windows tinted, then you're pretty much screwed," Spagnuolo said.

He recommends drinking water before you feel thirsty, drinking electrolytes and taking shaded or air-conditioned breaks whenever possible.

"Go inside, get cool air. You know, don't try to say, 'Hey, I can power through it,'" Spagnuolo said.

The best way to avoid heat-related illness is to stay ahead of it. That means listening to your body before the heat becomes dangerous.