IRECEIVED a call several days ago notifying me that my father had been in a serious motorcycle accident near his home in Montana. Apparently, the unusually warm 97-degree day had gotten to him and he suffered heat exhaustion and passed out. He went off the road and down a ravine, most of the way on his belly.
My father was luckier than most. He suffered a mere few broken ribs, road rash and a badly bruised face. The first responding officer on the scene told him that he had just left the scene of a similar bike accident where the driver hadn't made it.
The western United States is experiencing record-breaking heat, and motorists there are being taken by surprise. But we in Virginia are approaching the hottest time of year as well, and commuters would be wise
Motorcyclists are obvious victims of this as they are directly in the elements. The intense heat combined with the hum of the bike can lull the most-aware rider into a near-slumber.
Commuters behind the wheel of their cars also are
Many of these "beaters" don't have the basic commuter survival tools, such as air conditioning. There are days in August here in Northern Virginia when rolling down the window only adds to the problem, allowing 100-degree air to circulate in an already pizza-oven-like interior.
It is often difficult to tell when a commuter is suffering from heat stroke or exhaustion, as the signs of confusion, irrational behavior, headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst and giddiness are very similar to the picture of the ordinary commuter. By the time more advanced signs, such as loss of consciousness, convulsions and lack of ability to sweat, are apparent, tragedy has often already struck.
Drivers need to do all they can to prevent this from happening to them, as the lives they risk are not only their own but those of everyone around them as well. The smart commuter is educated and prepared:
1. Forget the morning coffee during the warm summer months and instead have your water bottle or sports drink handy. Not too cold; we don't want cramps.
2. Find any way to get air circulating. Open sunroofs and windows, and turn on the fan. Auto stores sell cigarette-lighter plug-in fans.
3. Lose the tie until you arrive at work. Btter yet, if your office has a gym changing room, perhaps you can dress in shorts and T-shirt and change once at work.
4. Listen to something that grabs your attention on the radio. The drone of the engine or continuous music can put the driver into a trance-like state, often leading to unconsciousness.
If the commuter does find that he is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, he obviously needs to pull over immediately and not wait for an opportune place, because once the signs kick in, they are quick to progress. If you cannot get to an air-conditioned location, get to a shaded area. Most of Interstate 95 is lined with trees, and shade is easy to come by once you pull to the side. Once you're off the road, loosen clothing and drink water if handy.
If signs continue to persist, place a call to someone to tell them where exactly you are and what is happening. Keep them on the phone until you are feeling better. If you feel that none of this is working, calling an ambulance is less embarrassing than being found unconscious on the side of I-95 during rush hour.
The heat is upon us, my friends. Please be proactive and protect yourselves and your fellow commuters.
--Steven Wright
Lance Roeske of Spotsylvania
Email: newsroom@freelancestar.com.