Wear sunscreen. Protect your skin with a waterproof sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 and offers broad spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Stick formulations are good for drivers' faces because the sunscreen won't run into your eyes.

Stay out of hot cars. Never leave a person or pet in a parked car! Even if a window is open a crack, it can heat up to dangerous temps in mere seconds.

If you’re driving a racecar, stay out of the car except when you must be inside. Don’t put on your helmet and other safety equipment until the last minute and take it off as soon as you can after the run.

Driving a drag car is not as intense as spending two or three hours in a NASCAR vehicle, but driver cooling systems are available. A quick check found www.coolshirt.net, www.freshairsystems.com and www.polarproducts.com. There are other products available, so do the old Google search and find something you like.

When you’re driving to a race be sure to have these items in the car, in case you do break down: flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices, such as flares or reflective triangles, first aid kit, a fully charged cell phone. Carry liquids for yourself and the others in the car. Encourage your passengers to drink more than their thirst requires. Remember, children dehydrate much faster than adults.

SIGNS OF TROUBLE

If you just “don’t feel right” don’t take chances. Very high body temperatures may cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and can damage the brain or other organs.

Heat Exhaustion: heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting.
Heat Stroke: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees), red, hot and dry skin (no sweating), rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness.

PROVIDE TREATMENT

Heat Stroke: The symptoms above could indicate a life-threatening emergency. First, call for immediate medical assistance, then:

- get the victim to a shady area
- cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods are available, including applying ice packs on neck, and face, and armpits: immersing in cool water, or using a garden hose
- monitor the body temperature; continue cooling efforts
- if emergency medical personnel are delayed, call a hospital emergency room for instructions
- do not give the victim water to drink; do not give the victim any alcohol
- get medical assistance as soon as possible

Heat Exhaustion: Although this is not as serious as heat stroke, seek medical help for severe cases.

- move the victim to a cooler environment
- loosen clothing