With August's dog days upon us, be extra careful on road

'Commuter Crossroads' by Lance Roeske

Date published: 8/2/2009

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 to prepare accordingly.

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 at risk, as there are a large number who drive "commuter cars," sometimes known as "beaters," to avoid wear and tear on their good vehicles.

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:

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Date published: 8/2/2009