Summer temperatures in Indiana can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people enjoy this, while for others, it’s a little too much. In any case, temperatures of this nature can potentially expose individuals to heatstroke.
Heat stroke occurs when the body gets too hot and does not cool down quickly. It’s a condition that can result in a range of symptoms. Here’s why heatstroke is so dangerous for road users.
It can alter your mental state
One of the most dangerous aspects of heat stroke is that it can cause the sufferer to feel confused and disorientated. While driving, this means that a driver may momentarily forget where they are, forget the rules of the road or neglect the duty of care they owe to others. Driving is an activity that requires a lot of focus, and heatstroke has the potential to diminish this.
It causes sickness
Heat stroke also has a number of physical symptoms. The driver may begin to feel sick or develop a sharp headache. Their heart rate may increase and their breathing could become more shallow, leading to panic and a vicious cycle of struggling to breathe.
The driver may also begin to develop muscle cramps. This means that they will not be able to operate the steering wheel, brake pedals and other vehicle components properly.
You can lose consciousness
A sufferer of a severe heat stroke may lose consciousness altogether. If this happens at high speeds, the results can be catastrophic.
It’s important that all road users only drive when they can safely regulate the temperature of their bodies. If you have been in an accident, seeking legal guidance will give you a better idea of whether or not negligence was a factor. If it was, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
