How to avoid the top 10 summertime accidents
With summer comes warm weather and more outdoor and water activities. With these activities, however, comes a risk of summertime accidents and injuries.
How to avoid the top 10 summertime accidents
Car accidents
More teenagers are killed in motor-vehicle accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day than at any other time of year. Review safe driving habits with your teen and don’t allow them to drive in the middle of the night or with more than two passengers. Limit their use of the car to driving to work and other essential trips, if possible.
Heat stroke and dehydration
Heat stroke occurs when a person is active or just spends too much time exposed to the sun. The heat from the sun can cause your body to overheat, particularly when not enough water is consumed. If you are planning to spend a lot of time outside on a hot day, bring plenty of water, take breaks in the shade and wear loose fitting, breathable clothing. Watch out for signs of heat stroke including confusion, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Water accidents
Water accidents increase in the warm weather as more people seek to cool off. Always supervise children when they are playing near or swimming in water. Young children should wear life vests while boating, swimming or playing near water. Adults should wear life jackets while boating.
Bike and motorcycle accidents
More people bike and ride their motorcycles in the summer due to the warmer weather. Bikers and motorcyclists should always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road. Biking and riding defensively is very important as some motorists do not see bicycles and motorcycles until it is too late.
Sunburns
Sunburns are more prevalent in the summertime because there is simply more hot sun. Take advantage of shady spots and wear protective clothing like long flowing sleeves and hats. Wear a mineral based sunscreen to prevent sunburns and avoid the chemicals in traditional sunscreens.
Food poisoning
Many people enjoy eating outside in the warm weather but that also creates the opportunity for foods to spoil while sitting out in the sun. Keep all perishable foods like meat, fish and dairy on ice or in a closed cooler until you are ready to eat. Toss perishable foods that have been sitting out for more than 30 minutes to decrease your risk of food borne illness.
Playground accidents
Parents and kids alike play more outside in the summer months. The increased use of playgrounds – particularly public equipment – brings an increased risk of playground accidents. Always supervise your children while they use playground equipment and steer them away from areas that are above their age or skill level.
Bug bites
Warm weather brings out the bugs. Decrease your risk of bug bites and possible allergic reactions by wearing bug spray and protective clothing. If you or a loved one is allergic to bees or other insect bites, keep antidote medicine with you. If you are walking in a forest known to have ticks, wear a hat, long pants and sleeves and tuck pants into socks.
Fireworks injuries
Fireworks injure thousands of people each year; approximately one-quarter of those injured are under the age of 15. Talk to your kids about fireworks safety and follow safety rules yourself such as lighting a safe distance away from a structure that could catch fire.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a summertime accident, you may wish to seek the legal help of a personal injury lawyer. He or she will walk through the details of your accident and identify whether you have a case for personal injury.
If you or a loved is dealing with an accident or injury, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
