How to Prevent the Most Common Spring Accidents

Many people count down the days until the start of the spring season, which marks the beginning of warm weather and endless sunshine. But unfortunately, some people will not be able to enjoy this beautiful season because they have unexpectedly been injured in a tragic accident. Stay safe throughout the spring by learning how to avoid these common spring accidents:

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

A lot of people prefer traveling by bike or foot when the weather is warmer, which is why there are usually more bicyclists and pedestrians on the street in the spring. Because there are more people on the road, there could be a spike in bicycle and pedestrian accidents.

Bicyclists and pedestrians often sustain serious injuries in these accidents. To protect yourself, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. It’s never safe to use your cell phone while walking or riding a bike. Avoid all distractions so you can focus all of your attention on the road. Bicyclists and pedestrians should also follow all of the rules of the road so they don’t put themselves in harm’s way.

Also, do not ever make assumptions about drivers’ behavior. For example, let’s say a driver is approaching a crosswalk and is supposed to come to a complete stop to allow you to walk across the street. Even though the driver is supposed to stop, this does not mean that they will. Wait until you are confident the driver is stopping before entering the crosswalk. Being cautious in situations like these can prevent catastrophic accidents.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists also tend to hit the road during the spring since the weather is finally warm enough to ride. Just like pedestrians and bicyclists, motorcyclists can suffer serious injuries when they are hit by vehicles. For this reason, motorcyclists should do everything possible to protect themselves from negligent drivers.

The best way to stay safe is to never assume that other drivers can see you. Even if you are riding right next to a vehicle, the driver may not be able to see your bike. Stay alert and go out of your way to make sure the drivers around you are aware of your presence. Motorcyclists should also wear plenty of safety gear, such as helmets and specially designed jackets and pants. This gear won’t prevent an accident from happening, but it could reduce your risk of suffering serious injuries if one does occur.

Dog Bites

Dog bite incidents usually peak in the spring and summer. This is because more people take their dogs outside when the weather is warm, so there are more opportunities for dogs to attack. It could also be explained by the fact that dogs become agitated when they are exposed to heat for a long period of time. Dogs that are hot and agitated are more easily provoked, so they are quicker to attack.

Avoid dog bites this spring by learning how to read a dog’s body language. A dog that is about to attack may stiffen his limbs, flatten his ears, and lower his body into the crouched position. Dogs also tend to show their teeth and curl their lips when they are threatened. Do not make any sudden movements if you find yourself face-to-face with a dog exhibiting this body language. Back away slowly and keep your eyes on the animal at all times so you can react if it begins advancing towards you.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Accidents in swimming pools are also more common during the spring. The majority of swimming pool accidents involve children, however people of all ages are vulnerable to these injuries. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your risk of injury while using a swimming pool.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to closely supervise children who are either in or nearby a pool. This is true regardless of whether or not the child is an experienced swimmer. Keep a close eye on children at all times to ensure they are not in danger.

Another way to avoid accidents is reading the signs posted near the pool. Look for the sign that states the depth of the pool so you can identify the shallow and deep end. If you don’t read this sign, you could make the fatal mistake of diving into the shallow end of the pool.

Playground Injuries

Kids that have been cooped up all winter are eager to get back to the playground as soon as spring rolls around. Although playgrounds are supposed to be a place for kids to run and play, they can also be dangerous. It’s up to parents to look for hazards that could potentially hurt their children before allowing them to run freely on the playground.

Start by looking at the surface material. The safest playgrounds have surfaces made out of mulch, rubber, or safety tiles. If the playground equipment is sitting on asphalt or another hard surface, children could be seriously injured if they happen to fall.

Parents should also ensure the equipment is sturdy by looking for missing bolts or pieces. If something does not seem to be put together properly, it’s best to avoid using the equipment altogether. If everything seems sturdy, check the temperature of the equipment before allowing your child to start playing. Equipment that has been sitting in the sun for hours could be hot enough to seriously burn your child’s skin.

If you have been injured in one of these accidents, seek legal representation as soon as possible. Contact Carpenter & Zuckerman today to schedule a free consultation with our team of knowledgeable personal injury lawyers. We are committed to helping personal injury victims recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.