Now that summer is here, it's a good idea to think about the dangers posed by exposure to heat and the sun.
We all know how easily some folks can get a sunburn. I'm as white as a ghost, and I envy those of you who are able to get that nice golden tan. That being said, too much exposure to the sun can be dangerous regardless of your skin type. In addition to the obvious pain , you face a much higher risk of skin cancer if you spend too much time in the sun. A good sunblock is a great idea, and might save you a little discomfort today and a LOT a few years down the road.
Heat stress is another danger our drivers face in the summertime. Undecking is a very physical activity, and your body can only cool itself so much. I know you're in a hurry, and I know it's easy for me to preach about taking your time sitting here at my desk...but you really, REALLY need to in high temperatures. Go inside and bask in the air conditioning for a few minutes between trucks. At the very least, take a short break and let your body bring its temperature down. If you start feeling woozy or confused, this is a classic symptom of heat stroke, and that's nothing to play around about. Get inside and get hydrated, and do it now!
Speaking of hydration, that's one of the most commonly overlooked precautions you can take during hot weather. Your body loses an incredible amount of water during hot weather from sweating. You absolutely MUST replenish that water if your body is to have any chance of regulating its temperature. As corny as it sounds, th best rule of thumb is, "If you think you've drank enough water, take another big gulp and you're probably starting to get close".
As you all know, there are stretches of rural and desert highway where you can go a long distance without an opportunity to stop and get something to eat or drink. Do yourself a favor and carry a bottle (or more) of water for those stretches. You can easily become dehydrated before you even know what's happening.
Enjoy these short few months when the roads aren't covered by snow, ice, and slush...but be aware of the dangers summer brings with it as well. A short break during undecking, and an extra swig from a bottle of water could spell the difference between a productive day of driving and a trip to the ER.
