Summertime Accident Injury Prevention

Summer brings with it so many possibilities for fun, excitement and adventure, but also the opportunity for accidents and injuries. In the summer we all emerge from the hibernation of a long winter indoors and start cooking on the backyard grill, going camping, hiking and boating and swimming. Often times, the injuries that occur in the summertime could have been prevented if an additional amount of care had been taken in advance.

Common summertime accidents and injuries

Let us take a look at some of the mishaps and accidents that often occur in the summer when everyone is out enjoying the sunshine and the nice weather, but may not be as focused on safety as possible:

Car Accidents

You pile the kids and the bags into the car and take a road trip. You are out on the roads that are jammed with other drivers heading to the beaches and the pools and other summer activities. The kids are out of school, so there will be more teen drivers on the road, and there always seems to be more construction projects going on in the summer, which just adds to the potential for danger on the roadways.

When you are behind the wheel don’t allow yourself to get distracted by chatty friends or your mobile phone. Remain alert and focused on the road, other cars, pedestrians, bikers and motorcyclists. And, of course, do not drink and drive.

Motorcycle Accidents

If you drive a motorcycle make sure you always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road. Helmets save lives and prevent serious head injuries. Like those who travel by car, motorcyclists should never drink and drive.

Pool Injuries

Be aware of the hazards surrounding a swimming pool and take care to avoid them. Slip and fall accidents are common when people slip on the hard surfaces that get wet and break a bone or suffer a head and neck injury.

• Do not dive into the water without knowing the depth.
• Do not dive into shallow water or risk a spinal cord injury.
• Obey the posted safety signs around the pool and follow the rules
• Walk – do not run – around the pool area
• Make sure there is a lifeguard on duty at all times
• If you are at a private pool and there is no lifeguard you are responsible for your safety and that of your children, so remain alert and aware of what they are doing at all times
• Inform the manager or the homeowner if you notice any hazardous conditions

What to do following a premises liability accident

Seek medical attention right away for any injuries. If the accident took place at a commercial location such as a public pool, a hotel or resort, notify the management right away about the accident and make sure it gets documented. If the accident occurred on private property, notify the homeowners’ insurance company. Take pictures of the accident scene if you have a camera handy and document everything that happened including the names and contact information of any witnesses.