Top Summertime Accidents & How To Avoid Them
Memorial Day marked the unofficial start to summer, and the official first day of the season is rapidly approaching. Many people look forward to the summer season all year long because it means planned vacations, warm weather, and sunshine. But unfortunately, some people cannot have fun in the sun during the summer because of injuries they sustained in unexpected accidents. Here’s a look at some of the most common summertime accidents–and how to avoid them:
Swimming Pool Accidents
Kids and adults often spend a lot of time near or in a swimming pool during the summer in order to escape the heat. Swimming with friends and family can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous.
All swimmers should take the time to read the signs around the pool prior to diving in. Make sure to pay attention to which side of the pool is shallow and which side is deep. This can help swimmers avoid suffering spinal cord and head injuries as a result of diving into the shallow end of the pool.
You should also walk slowly and watch your step when you are close to a swimming pool. The area around the pool is often slippery, so it’s easy to lose your footing and hurt yourself.
Adults should also keep a close eye on any children that are with them–even if the children are experienced swimmers. Kids are at a much greater risk of suffering injuries in a swimming pool accident than adults, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure someone is supervising the children at all times–even if the kids are simply playing by the pool, not in it. By following these tips, you can keep everyone safe while swimming this summer.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are common in every season, but there is often an increase in collisions during the summer. This rise in traffic accidents could be because of the number of inexperienced drivers on the road. Many teens spend their summer break driving around town with their friends. Because of their inexperience, they are far more likely to get into accidents than other drivers on the road. They are also more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors such as distracted driving.
Teens aren’t entirely to blame for the rise in traffic accidents in the summer, though. California is a popular tourist destination, so many out-of-state drivers will be on the roads this summer. These drivers are not familiar with the area, which can put them at a greater risk of getting into an accident. They may suddenly slam on the brakes when they realize they missed a turn or make illegal maneuvers because they aren’t familiar with the traffic rules in the area.
Staying aware of your surroundings can protect you while on the road. You should always try to anticipate what other drivers around you will do so you are prepared at all times. An important part of staying safe is staying focused, so put anything that could distract you away before you start your engine.
Boating Accidents
Many people in California take advantage of living so close to the water by boating as much as possible during the warm summer months. Boating is a great way for family and friends to spend time together, but there are also plenty of risks involved with this activity. Boating accidents can occur as a result of operator inexperience, negligence, or intoxication. Accidents can also occur due to unexpected changes in the weather or mechanical failure. Regardless of the cause, these accidents are incredibly dangerous. Many boating accident victims suffer serious, life-threatening injuries such as spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.
There are several ways you can reduce your risk of getting involved in a boating accident. First, never get on a boat if the operator is not licensed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should also ask about the safety gear prior to boarding the boat. If there is not enough safety gear to protect every passenger, it’s not a good idea to get on the boat.
Finally, it’s important to check the weather forecast before heading out on the water. If there is even a small chance of rough waters, it’s better to stay on shore.
Dog Bites
People with dogs often take them on long walks during the summer, so you should expect to see more dogs out and about over the next few months. This means your risk of suffering a dog bite is greater during this time of year.
Protect yourself by learning how to read a dog’s body language. If a dog feels threatened, he may show his teeth, raise his ears, stiffen his limbs, and put his tail down. If a dog is frightened, he could tuck his tail between his legs, lower his body towards the ground, and push his ears down. If you see any of these signs, slowly start to back away while keeping your eyes on the dog. Do not make any sudden movements that could startle the dog and cause him to attack.
Get in the habit of always asking the owner’s permission prior to petting or coming close to a dog. If you are playing with a dog, never attempt to take a toy or any other object out of his mouth. This will be seen as a threat and the dog could attack.
Have you been injured in one of these summertime accidents? Contact Carpenter & Zuckerman today to schedule a free consultation with our team of experienced personal injury lawyers. Let our team hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve.