The summer season is inching closer and closer. Summer is known for its warm weather and sunshine, but many people do not realize that summer is also the season of serious injuries. Here’s a look at some of the most common summertime safety threats:
Swimming Pool Injuries
There’s no better way to beat the heat than by jumping into a swimming pool. If you plan on taking a dip in a swimming pool this summer, it’s important to know how to protect yourself.
Many swimmers are seriously injured when they dive into the shallow end of the pool. To avoid this problem, be sure to look for signs that indicate the depth of the pool before diving in. You should also use caution when walking around the edge of the pool since these surfaces tend to be slippery. Never run–even if the surface appears to be dry.
If you are with children, keep an eye on them at all times. Even if children know how to swim, they are far more likely than adults to be injured or killed in swimming pool. For this reason, adults need to closely watch children who are near or in a swimming pool.
Traffic Crashes
Traffic crashes occur everyday, but there is usually an increase in crashes during the summer months. There are several possible explanations for this increase in collisions. First, a lot of people take time off to travel in the summer, so it’s possible that some of the drivers you see on the roads are from out-of-town. This means these drivers are not familiar with the area, so they may suddenly slam on the brakes to make a turn or drive slower or faster than legally permitted.
Kids are also out of school over the summer, so it’s possible that the increase in crashes is partly due to the number of inexperienced drivers on the road. Inexperienced drivers may not know how to quickly react to changes in their environment. Young drivers are also known for becoming easily distracted, which can be put other drivers in danger.
The best way to avoid getting into a car crash is to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. A car crash could occur in seconds, so taking your eyes off of the road for even a moment could lead to a disaster.
Boating Injuries
Many people spend their free time on the water during the summer, which is why there is usually a spike in boating incidents during this season. A boating injury can occur for many different reasons, including operator inattention or inexperience, speeding, mechanical failure, or hazardous conditions. Regardless of the cause, these incidents can lead to serious injuries. This is especially true if passengers are thrown into the water, which can cause brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even death.
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to prevent boating injuries. First, never go out on the water without checking the weather forecast. Use good judgment when deciding whether or not it is safe to go boating given the forecast.
You should also avoid being in a boat with an irresponsible operator. If someone is not qualified to operate a boat, stay on shore instead of putting your life in their hands.
Before getting on the boat, make sure there is enough safety gear for every passenger. There should be a life jacket for every single person on the boat in addition to floatation devices. Having this gear could save you from drowning in the event of a mishap.
Bike Crashes
A lot of people enjoy riding bikes during the summer because of the beautiful weather. Biking is a great form of cardio exercise, but it can also be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 800 people are killed in bicycle crashes every year.
These crashes are often caused by negligent drivers who are driving recklessly or not paying attention to the road. To protect yourself, it’s important to assume that other motorists on the road do not see you. Pay close attention to what other motorists are doing so you can quickly react if a car starts heading in your direction. There’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of being hit, which is why the NHTSA encourages all bicyclists to wear safety gear such as helmets and padding. This safety gear will not prevent crashes, but it will offer you some protection in the event you are hit.
Dog Bites
Dog bites occur more frequently in the summer season. This is because dog owners are more likely to take their pets on long walks during the summer than they are in the winter months, so there are more dogs out in the community. Plus, the warm weather can agitate dogs in the same way it can leave humans feeling uncomfortable and irritable.
To avoid a dog bite injury, it’s important to know how to read a dog’s body language. Some of the most common signs of aggression include stiff limbs, forward legs, curled lips, and visible teeth. All of these signs indicate that the dog feels threatened and is preparing to attack. A dog that tucks his tail, pushes his ears back, and lowers his body to the ground is most likely frightened. Sometimes, frightened dogs become submissive to avoid harm, while other fearful dogs choose to attack to protect themselves. It’s impossible to know predict how a dog will respond to fear, so it’s best to avoid dogs that seem frightened.
Have you been injured in one of these summertime injuries? If so, contact Trial Lawyers for Justice today to schedule a consultation regarding your case. Our personal injury attorneys are available year-round to help clients seek justice and recover the compensation they deserve.
