There’s something about the summer sun that taps into the moron in all of us. Once the temperature hits about 75-ish, summer officially begins, turning our brains into mush. And it’s universal. Everywhere you look, people are precariously putting their skin — and sometimes their lives —  in danger without a second thought.

My eyes were opened this past weekend, as I was topping off a glorious vacation week in Sunriver, Ore. The original intent of the vacation was to partake in the Pacific Crest half Iron Man triathlon, which I registered for many, many months ago. Unfortunately, my plans were derailed by a (expletive deleted) twice stress-fractured foot. Because I’d already made — and paid for — reservations, my husband and I figured we’d take our munchkin and go with no agenda whatsoever.

I had a friend who was still going to do the tri, so I figured she’d need some support.

After three days of hiking, swimming and biking — we rented these glorious cruising bikes with big, cushy seats, wide handlebars and (gasp) kickstands — I was ready to switch into friend mode.

On the day of the tri, the temperature was projected to be in the low 90s. Whoa. That’s hot.

For reasons beyond anyone’s control, my friend ended up in the medic tent by mid-day. Asthma attack, we’re pretty sure.

When I got there, she’d been checked out and was going to be OK. Her injury was due to a medical condition. Nothing more. That can’t be said for some of the other folks who landed in the white tent.

One man, who from what I could gather with my keen journalistic skills — I was eavesdropping — had nearly collapsed after finishing the marathon portion of the competition. He was being carried in, one man friend under each arm. His legs were limp, causing his $200 running shoes to scrape along the ground. I noticed he wasn’t sweating. That wasn’t good. But he finished.

As I shared the story on the drive home, I vowed to my husband I’d never become that person. Then he reminded me that I’d finished an Olympic distance duathlon on a fractured foot. I stuck my tongue out at him, ending the discussion.

Another man was showing medics his impressive case of road rash. He’d been riding his bike about 40 mph down Mount Bachelor and someone stopped in front of him. His bike went one way, he another. Had he not been wearing a helmet, he’d have been toast.

Which brings me to my point. Just because the weather is warm doesn’t mean common sense can take a vacation.

If it’s hot outside, take proper precautions to avoid heat injuries. Especially if you’re going to be doing anything physical outside.

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Use sunblock and wear a hat or sunglasses. Drink water. Then drink more water. Than have some more.

If you’re riding your bike, for goodness’ sake, be smart about it. Ride with traffic, not against it. Wear a helmet, follow the same rules as if you were driving a car and ditch the iPod. I say again, ditch the iPod. If you’re listening to music, you’re not listening for traffic.

The best riding advice I’ve ever read came from The Man (that’s Lance Armstrong to us mere mortals) who essentially said: ride like all cars are out to hit you.

Be smart, be safe. You’ll thank yourself later.