Hazards To Avoid During Summer Vacation
Every year during the summer season many people will hit the road to get out and enjoy the wonderful weather and scenic beauty. Many also like to take adventurous road trips to exotic destinations. Unfortunately, summer is also the season with the highest number of personal injury accidents. You should take all necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe during summer vacation.
Summertime Injuries in Alabama
There are a range of activities associated with the warm months that increase the likelihood of getting injured. These are a few examples of summertime injuries.
Slip and fall injuries
This is a common type of injury since more people step out of their homes and spend time outside. If a sidewalk is uneven or cracked, or a surface is slippery, it can cause a slip and fall injury. Depending on the nature of the incident, slip-and-fall accidents can result in severe injuries. You can hold a property owner responsible for your injuries if they failed to maintain their property or make the necessary repairs to stairs, curbs, and sidewalks.
Burn injuries
There is a wide range of events and activities that can result in burn injuries. You need to take safety precautions when indulging in barbecues. It is important to keep children away from such setups. Serious burn injuries can be extremely painful and leave long-term scarring.
Children should be kept away from grills and adults should pay attention to avoid any accidents. Campfires are another source of burn injuries during the summer months. If your child gets injured at a campsite, you should immediately consult with a qualified personal injury attorney.
The risk of burn injuries peaks during the Fourth of July holiday. As per a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), almost 13,000 people get seriously injured each year in fireworks-related accidents. In severe cases, fireworks injuries can result in the loss of hands and fingers.
Boating and drowning accidents
If a boat operator is distracted, operating the boat in an aggressive or unsafe manner, or under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the occupants and anyone in the vicinity of the boat are at serious risk of getting injured. There is also a risk of drowning if occupants of the boat are not wearing life jackets. Boats should always be handled with respect and by someone that has a clear and deep understanding.
Drowning in the United States is the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths as per the CDC. Unfortunately, 20% of people that die in drowning incidents are under the age of 14. There are over 400 fatalities per year because of drowning accidents in spas and pools as per the CPSC. This is in addition to drowning incidents occurring in oceans and lakes. Owners of a pool can be held liable for damages if a drowning incident takes place on private property.
Tips to Avoid Injuries Associated with Summer Vacations
Most injuries can be prevented by keeping these tips in mind:
Drive safely
Motorists are encouraged to exercise extra caution when driving during the summer months. They should get enough sleep before driving, avoid distractions, always wear a seat belt, and obey the rules of the road. You should never get behind the wheel after having alcohol. You should also pay attention to other pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists in the vicinity.
Remain hydrated
This is an easy and effective way of preventing heat-related injuries. You should drink plenty of water and keep away from the sun. Try and have sports drinks if you are stepping out to replace the lost electrolytes.
Appropriate gear
Safety gear can reduce the severity of injuries and save lives in the event of an accident. Seat belts, bicycle helmets, goggles, and life jackets can be the difference between a bruise and an injury with long-term consequences. You should never compromise on your safety.
Sun protection
You can reduce the risk of skin cancer and avoid painful sunburns by using sun protection. Always wear an effective sunscreen of SPF 30 or less. The sun is strongest between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Use a wide-brimmed hat if stepping out and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen every few hours.
Be cautious near the water
Your top priority while spending time near a lake, pool, or beach should be to prevent accidents. This is especially true if you have young children playing in the water. Drowning and slip and fall accidents are highly common during the summer months.
Get Legal Representation from a Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one sustained a serious injury in a vacation-related accident because of someone else’s negligence, the experienced attorneys at the law firm of Frank M. Wilson can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free case evaluation with us by calling at (334) 420-2931 or reaching us online.
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