Summer is usually a fun time to be outside, especially on the Pacific coastline. This June, a devastating heatwave hit the Pacific Northwest causing not only
. The law was introduced in 1951 when gas-station pumps had fewer safety measures.
In the 1970s, self-service became more widespread because of gas shortages, but the Oregon law still remained. Over the years, some changes have been implemented to allow exceptions for remote areas and tribal lands.
The ban on pumping your own gas was temporarily suspended on June 28 and June 29 to protect gas station attendants from a historic heatwave. This was difficult for most Oregon residents who never had to pump their own gas and didn’t know how to.
The extreme heat was dangerous for gas station attendants
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The June heatwave saw temperatures peak at 115 degrees. The average temperature for this time of year is usually around 70 degrees, as reported by Car and Driver. Many homes in the area don’t have adequate air conditioning since the temperatures are usually moderate.
reported that the heat-related deaths in Oregan have reached 116. Many businesses were forced to close. Portland opened cooling centers and teams were dispatched to check on the residents that were most at risk.
During the heatwave, Gov. Kate Brown approved a temporary allowance for Oregon residents to pump their own gas. This lasted for two days and kept gas station attendants safe since they weren’t required to stand outside.
Many residents don’t know how to pump their own gas and might have just waited in their homes until the heat became more bearable. Self-service gas stations typically reduce wait times and prices. The impact of the heatwave highlights the weaknesses of Oregon’s gas pumping law.
This temporary suspension gave Oregon residents an opportunity to learn how to pump their own gas. The record heatwave prompted research into what caused it. A new analysis on the fatalities related to the recent heatwave found that the extreme temperature would have been "virtually impossible without human-caused climate change."
Residents of Oregon might have to prepare for similar extreme temperatures in the future. As we transition to
can help you feel protected during summer road trips and save you money on car insurance. The free app compares rates from 45 companies to make sure you’re getting the best possible rate for the coverage you need.