subject: How Motorcyclists Can Prevent Heat Stroke During Summer [print this page] Riding your motorcycle in the summer can be an exhilarating experience. Besides the fun of riding your motorcycle you are saving on gasoline costs as well. It is a much more fuel efficient means of transportation and many riders enjoy riding in the summer sun and being out in the open with just the highway in front of them.
Some riders however, forget the heat factor when riding in full protective gear in some parts of the U.S. where temperatures can get pretty extreme. Riding in full gear can raise body temperature.
Unlike cars and trucks that have air conditioning, motorcycle riders forget that they can be subjected to heat related illness because of their exposure to the sun.
The number one culprit is heat exhaustion which riders can suffer from if they are not aware this is one of the conditions of riding in the summer heat. Some of the signs and symptoms are fatigue, dizziness, nausea, cramps and headache. Some or all of these could be a sign of heat exhaustion.
The best way to combat heat exhaustion is to pull off the road and go inside or in a shaded place by the road, drink some water and allow your body to cool down. When we perspire heavily we tend to lose nutrients and get dehydrated, drinking a mixture of salt water can replace lost nutrients and fluids in the body and make the rider feel better in no time.
Heat stroke is more dangerous than heat exhaustion and is marked by lack of sweating and reduced cognitive functioning. If a rider is suffering from these signs they need to get off the road immediately and into a cool building.
The rider should drink water and have ice applied to the body to reduce body temperature. This is very important when it comes to heat stroke. Do not give caffeine, coffee or other stimulants to the rider because of possible heart related complications.
If a rider feels that they are suffering from any of these signs or symptoms it is important to get proper medical help immediately.
