Summer is right around the corner, and many of us are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the warm weather. However, it’s important to be aware of some of the most common hazards during these months so that you can take steps to keep yourself and your family safe. Here are four summertime accidents and tips that you can implement to prevent them.
Drownings and Swimming Accidents
There’s nothing like a hot summer day spent poolside. Due to the social aspects of summer, it’s easy to let your guard down and become distracted when you’re soaking in some sun. However, potential drownings in pools, lakes, spas, or any other body of water can be a serious threat to anyone—especially young children.
In fact, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Parents and adults can drastically reduce the risk of unintentional child drownings by doing the following:
- Adults who are supervising children in the water should always be sober.
- Ignore your phone.
- Don’t completely rely on floaties.
- Install fencing around pools.
- Have one adult present who knows CPR.
- Teach your children water rules and how to swim.
Dog Bites
Dogs are more frequently let outdoors and taken for walks during summer months, which can lead to an increased risk of dog bite attacks during this time. Other factors that can lead to more dog bites include:
- More house parties and unfamiliar guests around dogs
- More children out of school during summer vacations
- Heat can cause dogs to become irritable or short-tempered
Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are more likely to become severely injured. As a homeowner and a dog owner, remember that you have a responsibility to keep guests and others safe from your dog by taking the following steps:
- Know your dog’s limits.
- Know how to read your dog’s body language.
- Put your dog away around unfamiliar guests.
- Always have a leash on your dog.
- Stay up-to-date with your dog’s vaccinations.
Drunk Driving Accidents
For many people, summer is synonymous with holidays, parties, and celebrations. While motor vehicle accidents happen every day, all year round, they typically increase during the summer months due to more drunk drivers on the road. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents for other drivers, vehicle occupants, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Drinking and driving is never worth it. If you are consuming alcohol outside of your home this summer, make sure to have a backup plan. Designate a sober driver or call a rideshare vehicle for transportation. Additionally, anyone on the road, especially at night, should be aware of these common telltale signs of drunk driving:
- Swerving
- Speeding or driving excessively slow
- Erratic braking
- Hugging the center divider
- Breaking traffic laws
Fires and Burns
Who doesn’t love enjoying a nice outdoor barbecue with friends and family? While you may have used your grill dozens of times and feel confident in your ability to use it safely, you should never let your guard down.
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveal that grilling causes about 8,800 home fires each year, and in 2012 alone, grilling injuries were the cause of 16,900 emergency room visits. If you’re planning for a summer barbecue, here are a few steps you should take to avoid grill-related injuries:
- Use propane or charcoal grills outdoors only.
- Never use grills under tents or in other enclosed spaces.
- Place your grill a good distance away from other structures.
- Use long-handled grill tools to keep as much distance as possible between you and the grill.
- Never leave a grill unattended while it is in use.
- Keep children and pets several feet away from the grill.
Injured in a Summertime Accident?
We hope that these tips help you to have a safe, enjoyable summer. If you or a loved one is, in fact, injured in one of the accidents described above, please know that our legal team is standing by ready to assist you in your recovery.
At Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our award-winning personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of those injured across Northern California. While no law firm can guarantee results, you have our word that we will fight tenaciously to help you obtain a favorable outcome.
Take the first step today and contact our firm at (530) 413-0245 to get started with a free consultation. We may be reached day or night, whenever you need us.